Shardul Thakur is an Indian cricketer who has risen up the ranks to represent the national team in all three formats of the game. An aggressive right-arm medium-fast bowler who can also bat lower down the order, According to today cricket update, Thakur has proven himself as a viable all-round option. In this blog, you will look at the cricket journey of Shardul Thakur from early days to his current status as an integral member of the Indian team.
Early Life and Domestic Career
Shardul Thakur was born on October 16, 1991 in a small town of Palghar, Maharashtra. He was introduced to cricket by his school coaches who recognized his potential as a pacer. Thakur sharpened his skills playing tennis ball cricket in his hometown.
After impressing in age-group cricket, he made his first-class debut in December 2009 for Mumbai at just 17 years old. Thakur spent the next few years honing his craft in domestic cricket while also fighting injuries. He was rewarded for his consistency when Kings XI Punjab bought him for the 2014 IPL season. Thakur has since plied his trade with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in the IPL as well.
T20I Debut
Shardul Thakur’s domestic and IPL exploits earned him a national call-up in 2016 as he was included in the T20I squad against West Indies. Making the squad was a dream come true for Thakur after years of toiling in domestic cricket. He could not contain his excitement at receiving his maiden India call-up. He made his T20I debut in August 2016 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
Thakur picked up 1/26 in his four overs on debut, showcasing his wicket-taking abilities. Bowling with pace and aggression, he showed that he belonged on the international stage. He continued to be in and out of the T20I side over the next few years, retained mainly as a backup pacer.
ODI Debut
It was not until October 2017 that Thakur finally got his chance in ODI cricket. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI at Mohali.
Thakur had decent figures of 1/37 in seven overs but India lost the high-scoring match. He has since been in and out of the ODI team, competing for a pace bowling all-rounder’s slot.
Test Debut
Through consistent domestic performances over the years, Shardul Thakur remained on the fringes of Test selection. He was finally awarded his maiden Test cap in October 2018 against West Indies.
Thakur picked up 4/61 on his Test debut, justifying his selection in the team. While he has not been a regular in Tests, Thakur has produced impactful performances like a counter-attacking half-century at The Gabba to help India breach Australia’s fortress in 2021.
Heroics in Australia
One of the highlights of Shardul Thakur’s career came during India’s epic Test series win in Australia in 2020-21. He picked up 7 wickets as well as a crucial 60 runs batting at number 8 at the Gabba, earning plaudits from cricket pundits.
Thakur’s all-round showing was instrumental to India’s historic series victory. He demonstrated that he could deliver under pressure against tough opponents like Australia in their own backyard.
IPL Success
While Shardul Thakur has represented various IPL franchises, his most fruitful stint has been with Chennai Super Kings. Since 2018, Thakur has picked up 45 wickets in 46 matches for CSK at an excellent economy rate of 8.68.
His ability to swing the new ball and deliver at the death overs has been an asset for the Super Kings. Thakur was part of the CSK squad that won the IPL title in 2018 and 2021.
Record and Milestones
Despite limited opportunities early in his career, Shardul Thakur has racked up some impressive numbers already:
- Third fastest Indian to 50 ODI wickets
- Joint second fastest for India to pick 50-plus wickets and score 500-plus runs in Tests
- Only India’s third cricketer to score over 50 runs and take 4 or more wickets on Test debut
- Best bowling figures in ODIs: 4/67 vs West Indies in 2019
- Best bowling figures in T20Is: 3/24 vs Australia in 2021
Batting and Bowling Style
Shardul Thakur is an aggressive right-arm medium pacer who relies on swing, seam movement as well as variations to outfox batters. He can swing the new ball and is equally effective with his yorkers at the death overs.
As a lower-order batsman, Thakur has a simple technique but packs quite a punch. He has pulled off some remarkable rearguard knocks batting at number 8 including a counter-attacking 57 against Australia at the Gabba.
Work Ethic and Fitness
Despite being plagued with injuries early in his career, Shardul Thakur has shown remarkable resilience. He has worked tirelessly to improve his bowling, batting as well as fitness over the years.
Thakur’s work ethic, positivity and never-say-die attitude even under pressure situations has made him an asset for India. His commitment to fitness has helped Thakur become an all-rounder capable of contributing substantially with both bat and ball.
Challenges and Future Outlook
As a bowling all-rounder, Shardul Thakur faces immense competition to keep his place consistently in the star-studded Indian team. He will have to further develop control over line as well as length in Tests to scalp more wickets.
However, at just 31 years old, Thakur is in his prime as well as the best may be yet to come. His grit as well as ability to perform under pressure is an X-factor India needs in overseas conditions. Thakur could go on to become India’s next pace bowling all-rounder great if he continues his outstanding work ethic.
Conclusion
Shardul Thakur’s journey from a young Palghar lad to an Indian cricketing star has been built on passion as well as perseverance. As per domestic cricket news, with his bustling aggression, ability to take wickets as well as crucial lower order runs, Thakur is an asset for India in all formats. If he can maintain consistency as well as remain injury-free, there is no doubt that Shardul Thakur has the skills as well as temperament to become one of India’s greatest match-winners across formats.
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