Shardul Thakur

Every cricket team has that one bowler known for delivering crucial breakthroughs when needed the most. For the Indian national team, Shardul Thakur is that right-arm pace bowler who consistently brings wicket-taking prowess to the table.

Early Career and Rise in Domestic Cricket

Shardul Thakur’s journey in cricket began without much fanfare, managing only four wickets in his debut Ranji Trophy season. However, he made significant strides in the 2013/14 season, claiming 27 wickets in 6 matches. His breakthrough came in the 2014/15 season when he tied as the highest wicket-taker with 48 wickets. This performance earned him an Indian T20 League contract with the Punjab franchise for the 2015 edition.

International Debut and Key Contributions

In 2017, thanks to his impressive domestic performances for Mumbai, Shardul was selected for India’s white-ball squad for the Sri Lanka tour, making his ODI debut. He later made his T20I and Test debuts for India. During India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia, Shardul’s maiden fifty in Brisbane was a series-defining moment contributing to India’s historic win.

Skillset and Impact in T20 Cricket

Shardul Thakur is a hit-the-deck bowler capable of generating impressive seam movement, with a specialized outswinger that makes him formidable against any batting lineup. After playing for the Punjab franchise, he went on to represent Pune, Chennai, and Delhi in the Indian T20 League, winning titles with Chennai in 2018 and 2021.

Future Prospects and Versatility

Transferred to the Kolkata franchise for the 2023 Indian T20 League, Shardul Thakur continues to showcase his skills, particularly his effective outswinger against right-handers. Besides bowling, his batting abilities add depth to the lower order, making him a valuable asset for any team.

FAQs About Shardul Thakur

1. What makes Shardul Thakur a key player for the Indian team?

Shardul Thakur is known for his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs, his effective seam movement, and outswinger, along with handy batting skills, making him a versatile player.

2. How did Shardul Thakur’s domestic performance lead to international selection?

Thakur’s outstanding performance in the 2013/14 and 2014/15 Ranji Trophy seasons, where he was the joint-highest wicket-taker, caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion in India’s white-ball squad.

3. What are some of Thakur’s notable achievements in the Indian T20 League?

Shardul Thakur has been a significant player in the Indian T20 League, winning the championship with Chennai in 2018 and 2021 and being a reliable bowler for teams like Pune, Chennai, Delhi, and now Kolkata.

4. What was a highlight of Thakur’s international Test career?

A significant highlight of Thakur’s Test career was his maiden fifty in Brisbane during India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia, contributing to India’s series-winning effort.

5. What role does Shardul Thakur play in the 2023 Indian T20 League?

For the 2023 Indian T20 League, Shardul Thakur is set to be a crucial player for the Kolkata franchise, bringing his multi-dimensional skills in both bowling and batting.