Indian comprehensive Shardul Thakur should play for Essex in the introductory block of the county championship while signing a contract with the English County Club for the 2025-26 season. The club officially announced signing on Tuesday, February 18, and Thakur will be found in seven matches in the tournament.
Shardul Thakur was in an impressive form for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. On the eve of the semifinals, he raised 402 rides on average 40. With a ball, he picked up 34 shots at an average of 21.67. He scored a century (119) to save his team against Jamm and Kashmir.
I feel excited to join Essex this summer – Shardul Thakur
After passing the IPL, Shardul Thakur decided to play the county crunch during the same window. He is excited to join Essex for the upcoming season of the county championship. However, it remains acceptable to IPL if it is signed as a replacement of injury. Essex spokesman also confirmed this possibility.
“I feel that I will join Essex this summer. Personally, it brings new challenges and opportunities to show my talent and skills. The county cricket is something I have always wanted to experience and I am glad to represent the eagles,” Thakur said.
Shardul Thakur overlooked the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia
Shardul Thakur was not selected as a Trophy Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, which they lost 1-3. He also considered the long-awaited ICC champions of Trophy 2025. The 33-year-old Mumbai versatile from Mumbai was set for his first stay in the English County Crite and is eager for this experience.
From his debuting in 2017, Thakur has been outside the Indian meetings and has come out of his debut. He played 91 first class games, including 11 tests. Thakur took 31 test shots, with the best of 7-61 against South Africa 2022. He also represented India in 47 ODOs and 25 t20i, with his appearance in 2023.
Absolutely delighted to sign Shardul across the line – Chris Silverwood
Essex’s director of the crislette, Chris Silverwood, expressed his satisfaction with the signing of Shardul Thakur. Silverwood stated that Thakur could contribute to a bat, which is positive for the club.
“We are absolutely delighted to sign Shardul across the line,” said Chris Silverwood. “We were very clear among themselves that a high quality rapid bowler, with the ability to hit a lower order, was the key goal of the club this winter.
“In Shardul, we signed just that and we can’t wait to say hello to Essex and see how he gets into the county championship.”
Shardul becomes the latest Indian internationally in the County Championship in Chelmsford, following like Umesh Yadava, Murala Vijay and current main coach of India Gautam Gambhir.
The goal will be for the strong start to their campaign. Their first challenge will be against the Surrey champion defense at home because they want to secure their first championship title since 2019.
