Essex have secured the services of Shardul Thakur for seven games for the 2025 County Championship, with the signing coming on the back of an outstanding Ranji Trophy season.
This will be Shardul’s first-ever appearance for a county team, with the Championship set to begin on April 4. The all-rounder, who has fallen out of favour with the Indian team of late and was not picked for the recent Australia tour either, has been making waves with his all-round form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
Representing Mumbai, Shardul had made 402 runs in 10 innings at an average of 40.20 before the Ranji semi-finals, which also included a hundred after his team were in a spot of bother. He has also picked up 34 wickets, including a hat-trick, in 17 innings, at an average of 21.67. Shardul is the second-highest wicket-taker for his team this season and is also one of five batters from Mumbai with 400 or more runs.
Shardul has not been picked by any team in the IPL, making it easier for him to sign a county deal during that window. However, if he is signed up as an injury replacement, he will be eligible to play in the tournament. An Essex spokesperson confirmed that there remains a chance that Shardul could still be called up to the IPL.
Shardul Thakur: Always wanted to play county cricket
"I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer. Personally it brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase my talent and skills," Shardul said on his new venture. "County cricket is something I always wanted to experience and I am glad that I’ll be representing the Eagles."
Shardul has played 91 first-class games, picking up 296 wickets at an average of 27.26 and has also made 2,389 runs with two hundreds at 20.07. The Mumbai all-rounder has represented India in 11 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 25 T20Is as well with his last international appearance coming in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in 2023.
Inda will be touring England for a five-Test series in June. Shardul's seven-match county stint just ahead of that would also provide him with the perfect opportunity to impress Indian selectors and force his way back into the Test team.
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