Shardul Narendra Thakur, born on October 16, 1991, is an Indian international cricketer known for his right-arm medium-pace bowling and right-handed batting. He has had a noteworthy career in both domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing various teams and making significant contributions in international matches. Here's an overview of his journey:
Domestic Career:
- Despite being criticized for his lack of height and being overweight, Thakur earned a place in the Mumbai domestic team.
- He made his first-class debut for Mumbai in November 2012.
- Thakur showcased his skills in the Ranji Trophy, consistently improving his performances and becoming a crucial part of the Mumbai team.
- He has been a key player in both bowling and batting, contributing to Mumbai's success in various tournaments.
International Debut and Career:
- Thakur made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India in August 2017 against Sri Lanka.
- He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for India in February 2018 against South Africa.
- Thakur has had notable performances in international matches, including his contributions in both batting and bowling.
- He had a memorable Test debut in October 2018 against the West Indies, where he made an impact with both bat and ball.
- Thakur played a pivotal role in India's Test series victory against England in 2021, showcasing his all-round abilities.
Key Moments and Achievements:
- Thakur became the second Indian cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar to wear the number 10 jersey, later changing it due to controversy.
- He made headlines with his performances in the IPL, representing teams like Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Rising Pune Supergiants, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
- Thakur played crucial roles in IPL matches and consistently improved his performances with both bat and ball.
Personal Life:
- In November 2021, Thakur got engaged to Mittali Parulkar, and the couple got married in February 2023.
In summary, Shardul Thakur has established himself as a versatile cricketer with the ability to make valuable contributions in all formats of the game. His performances in both domestic and international cricket, along with his participation in the IPL, have earned him recognition and respect among cricket fans and experts.