👤 Early Life & Rise in Cricket
Shardul Narendra Thakur (born 16 October 1991 in Palghar, Maharashtra) is an Indian right‑arm medium‑pace seamer known for his hitting prowess with the bat. Nicknamed “Lord” and “Beefy”, he has emerged as a valuable all‑round contributor for India across formats. He made his international debut in 2017 (ODI) and played his first Test in October 2018 against West Indies.
9🔥 Playing Style & Strengths
Thakur bowls a “hit-the-deck” style, generating bounce, seam movement, and reliability under pressure. He wields a potent outswinger and an effective split‑finger slower ball, making him a handy white-ball option, though more suited to Tests and ODIs.
As a batsman, he is capable of delivering quick cameos and building partnerships lower down the order. His domestic record shows multiple first-class centuries, including a top score of 119.
📈 International Career & Stats (as of mid‑2025)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 11 | 331 | 19.5 | 31 | 28.4 | 7/61 |
| ODI | 47 | 329 | 17.3 | 65 | 30.98 | 4/37 |
| T20I | 25 | 69 | 23.0 | 33 | 23.4 | 4/27 |
| First-Class | ~92 | ~2,492 | ~20.6 | ~298 | ~27.5 | 7/61 |
He was part of India’s Asia Cup–winning teams in 2018 and 2023.
🏏 IPL & Domestic Cricket Journey
- IPL Debut: 2015
- Teams: Mumbai Indians → Kings XI Punjab → Rising Pune Supergiant → CSK (2018–21, 2024) → Delhi Capitals (2022) → KKR (2023) → LSG (2025)
- IPL Stats (as of 2025): 105 matches, 107 wickets at 30.32 avg and 9.40 economy; top figures include 4/34 vs SRH in 2025. Highest IPL score: 68 in 2023
In IPL 2025, after going unsold in the original auction, he was called in as injury replacement for Mohsin Khan by Lucknow Super Giants—he responded with six wickets in two games, briefly topping the Purple Cap race.
At the end of the 2025 season, LSG finished 7th; Thakur ended with 13 wickets and offered key match-winning spells.
🧪 England Tour 2025: Heroics Under Pressure
In a high‑stakes Test series in England (June–July 2025), Thakur earned selection in India’s playing XI. In the fourth innings of one Test, he took two crucial wickets in successive balls, shifting the game momentum when senior bowlers failed to make an impact.
Earlier, in the India A intra‑squad match, he smashed an unbeaten 122 off 68 balls and took four wickets—sending a strong message to selectors ahead of the Test series.
Off the field, a lighthearted moment at Lord’s saw Thakur mockingly hold Jasprit Bumrah’s feet during warm-up—highlighting camaraderie within the team.
He clarified in the media that bowling strategy is a captain’s call, not his own decision—a sign of his professionalism and team-first mindset during the England series (The Times of India).
✅ Highlights & Areas for Improvement
👍 Strengths:
- Clutch bowling in pressure situations
- Useful lower‑order batting & sudden impact
- Versatile across formats, reliable in both red and white ball
- Improved fitness and match-readiness following county cricket stint
👎 Limitations:
- Mid-match consistency and length of spells need refinement
- Batting contributions modest in Tests compared to impactful cameo knocks
- Economy rate in T20 and IPL slightly high for death overs
❓ FAQs: Common Questions About Shardul Thakur
Q1. What makes Shardul Thakur nicknamed “Lord”?
Fans started calling him “Lord” after impressive match-turning performances in IPL, a light-hearted homage to his game-swaying presence.
Q2. How did he enter the IPL in 2025 despite being unsold?
He was signed mid-season by Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement for injured Mohsin Khan, and repaid the faith with impactful bowling performances.
Q3. Is Thakur a genuine all‑rounder?
Yes—he contributes with both bat and ball. His centuries and vital Wickets reflect his evolving all-round skill set.
Q4. How has he evolved on England tours?
His recent performance in England 2025 showcased maturity—he delivered under pressure, taking crucial wickets while maintaining composure in foreign conditions.
Q5. Will he be a consistent feature in India’s Test XI?
Given his skills in seam-friendly conditions and ability to bowl long spells, he’s increasingly considered a key test squad option. Continued consistency will determine his longevity.8r
e🧾 Final Thoughts
Shardul Thakur has risen from a fringe fast-bowling option to a match-winning all‑rounder, redefining his role in Indian cricket across formats. With key IPL showdowns and Test game-shifts in England, he’s carving a niche not just as a utility player, but as a tactical asset India can rely on. If he continues refining his consistency and economy, the “Lord” will remain a powerful figure in India’s future plans.
From domestic cricket to shining on international stages, Shardul Thakur continues to prove that determination and self-belief can take you far. With his consistent performances and fighting spirit, he remains a valuable asset to Team India. As fans eagerly watch his journey unfold, Shardul Thakur stands tall as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the nation.
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