Shardul Thakur
| Shardul Thakur | |
|---|---|
| |
| Full name | Shardul Narendra Thakur |
| Nickname | Lord, Palghar Express |
| Born | 16 October 1991 Palghar, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) |
| Role | All-rounder |
| Batting style | Right-handed |
| Bowling style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Teams | India, Mumbai, Chennai Super Kings |
| Jersey number | 54 |
| Father | Narendra Thakur |
| Spouse | Mittali Parulkar |
Shardul Narendra Thakur (born 16 October 1991) is an Indian international cricketer who plays as a bowling all-rounder. Known for his ability to take crucial wickets and contribute valuable runs lower down the order, he represents the Indian national cricket team and has played for several franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Thakur is popularly nicknamed “Lord Shardul” by fans for his knack of delivering match-turning performances in pressure situations.
Early Life
Shardul Thakur was born in Palghar, Maharashtra. He grew up in a modest family where pursuing cricket as a career was considered challenging due to financial constraints.[1]
Despite these difficulties, Thakur developed a strong passion for cricket during his childhood. He attended Anand Ashram Convent English High School and later studied at Swami Vivekanand International School in Palghar.
Through determination and disciplined training, he improved his bowling and fitness levels and gradually established himself in domestic cricket.[2]
Domestic Career
Shardul Thakur represents Mumbai in Indian domestic cricket, one of the most successful teams in India’s domestic circuit.
His early Ranji Trophy season was challenging, where he managed only a few wickets. However, he quickly improved and delivered an outstanding performance in the 2013–14 season by taking 27 wickets in six matches.[3]
In the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy season, Thakur took 48 wickets, finishing as the joint highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
His strong performances helped him gain national recognition and eventually earned him a place in India’s squad.
International Career
Shardul Thakur made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka on 31 August 2017.
He later made his T20I debut against New Zealand on 25 October 2017.[4]
Thakur made his Test debut against England on 7 October 2021.
One of the highlights of his international career came during India’s 2020–21 Test tour of Australia. In the Brisbane Test, he played a crucial role by scoring an important half-century and taking key wickets, helping India secure a historic series victory.
Another memorable moment came during the 2021 Test at The Oval against England, where his all-round performance played a significant role in India's victory.
Indian Premier League
Shardul Thakur began his IPL career when he was signed by the Punjab franchise for the 2015 season.
He later played for several IPL teams, including:
- Rising Pune Supergiant
- Chennai Super Kings
- Delhi Capitals
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Lucknow Super Giants
Thakur achieved significant success with Chennai Super Kings, winning the IPL title in 2018 and 2021.
In the IPL, he is known for his ability to break partnerships and deliver wickets during crucial moments of a match.
Playing Style
Shardul Thakur is a right-arm fast-medium bowler known for his ability to swing the ball and generate bounce off the pitch.
His key strengths include:
- Outswing deliveries to right-handed batters
- Ability to break important partnerships
- Lower-order batting contributions
- Adaptability in different match situations
His multi-dimensional skills make him a valuable all-round option for the team.
Records and Achievements
Some notable achievements of Shardul Thakur include:
- Match-winning all-round performance in the 2021 Oval Test
- Important role in India’s historic 2020–21 Test series win in Australia
- IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and 2021
- One of India’s reliable pace-bowling all-rounders in international cricket
Net Worth
Shardul Thakur’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹35–40 crore. His income sources include cricket contracts, IPL salaries, match fees, and brand endorsements.
Personal Life
Shardul Thakur married entrepreneur Mittali Parulkar in 2023.
Outside cricket, he enjoys:
- Watching films
- Playing football
- Playing badminton
Despite his popularity, Thakur is known for maintaining a simple and disciplined lifestyle.
Legacy
Shardul Thakur has established himself as a dependable team player who often performs in crucial moments. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an important asset in the Indian cricket team.
His journey from domestic cricket in Mumbai to delivering match-winning performances for India highlights his determination and perseverance.
References
- ↑ https://www.kreedon.com/shardul-thakur-biography
- ↑ https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/shardul-thakur-475281
- ↑ https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/ipl-2025-meet-lsg-all-rounder-shardul-thakurs-wife-mittali-parulkar-who-is-a-entrepreneur-and-model-in-pics-2873916
- ↑ https://crictoday.com/cricket/series/shardul-thakur/