Shardul Thakur, often referred to as “Lord Shardul” by fans, is one of the most impactful all-rounders in Indian cricket today. Known for his wicket-taking ability and fearless batting down the order, Shardul has earned a reputation for delivering in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s breaking partnerships with the ball or scoring crucial runs when the team needs them the most, he brings energy, aggression, and balance to India’s lineup.
Early Life and Domestic Journey
Born on October 16, 1991, in Palghar, Maharashtra, Shardul Thakur’s rise to international cricket is a story of grit and determination. He made his name in domestic cricket with Mumbai, showcasing consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy. Despite being considered short for a fast bowler early in his career, he proved critics wrong with his swing, seam movement, and never-say-die attitude.
Shardul Thakur’s Career Highlights
Category Details
Full Name Shardul Narendra Thakur
Role Bowling All-Rounder
Bowling Style Right-arm medium-fast
Batting Style Right-handed batter
India Debut ODI – 2017 vs Sri Lanka
Test – 2018 vs West Indies
Domestic Team Mumbai
IPL Teams CSK, KKR, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings
Nickname “Lord Shardul” (coined by fans after clutch performances)
Breakthrough in International Cricket
Shardul’s real breakthrough came during India’s 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Playing in the Brisbane Test, he scored a match-defining 67 runs and took 7 wickets, helping India script a historic win at the Gabba. Since then, he has been a key contributor in all formats, especially in Tests and ODIs, with his knack for picking wickets at crucial moments.
Memorable Performances
Format Opponent Venue Performance
Test Australia Brisbane (2021) 67 runs & 7 wickets – match-winning contribution
ODI England Pune (2021) 4/67 – broke England’s strong middle order
Test England The Oval (2021) 57 & 60 in both innings, plus 3 wickets
IPL Punjab Kings IPL 2021 3/28 – game-changing spell for CSK
ODI South Africa Lucknow (2022) 2/35 and 33* – balanced all-round display
Shardul Thakur’s Stats Overview (as of 2025)
Format Matches Wickets Best Bowling Runs Batting Average
Tests 12+ 30+ 7/61 400+ 20+
ODIs 50+ 70+ 4/36 450+ 18+
T20Is 25+ 35+ 3/19 100+ —
IPL 80+ 90+ 3/19 300+ 16+
What Makes Shardul Thakur Unique?
Wicket-taker at crucial moments, especially in middle overs
Handy lower-order batter who can change the game with quick runs
High energy, aggressive mindset, and ability to swing the ball
Clutch performer in Test matches overseas
Consistently earns praise for game awareness and smart cricketing instincts
Lord Shardul in the IPL
Shardul has had a strong impact in the Indian Premier League, playing for top franchises like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Under MS Dhoni’s guidance at CSK, he matured into a confident, multi-phase bowler capable of bowling both in powerplays and at the death.
The Road Ahead for Shardul Thakur
While India has a wealth of pace bowling options, Shardul Thakur’s utility as a bowling all-rounder gives him an edge in squad selections for ICC tournaments. As a player who never shies away from responsibility, Shardul is expected to continue making match-defining contributions in both red and white-ball cricket.
