New Delhi: Gunning to win back his spot in India’s Test squad, India all-rounder Shardul Thakur has signed for County team Essex and will be playing for them in Division One from the start of the 2025 season. Shardul, who went unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction last year, will be plying his trade in County cricket during the IPL season.
Shardul will be making his County debut with Sussex this season as he has never played in the English county circuit before. He will be joining the likes of CHeteshwar Pujara and Ishant Sharma among others in the list of Indian players who have played for Sussex in the English county. The pace all-rounder has been in terrific form for Mumbai with the bat and the ball in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
The 33-year-old, who has played 11 Tests, 47 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India, has so far notched up 439 runs and taken 34 wickets in 9 matches for Mumbai to help them reach the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Mumbai are currently locking horns with Vidarbha in the second semi-final and will be looking to make it to their second consecutive final.
Thakur notched up his 2nd first-class century against Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy last month and followed it up with a brilliant 84 in Mumbai’s clash against Meghalaya in the group stage. The pace all-rounder also claimed a hat-trick against Meghalaya in what was a brilliant all-round show from him.
“I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer. Personally, it brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase my talent and skills. County cricket is something I always wanted to experience and I am glad that I’ll be representing the Eagles,” Shardul said after joining Essex for the 2025 season.
Will Shardul Thakur receive Test recall for England tour?
Shardul has been in impressive form in the domestic circuit and has been delivering consistent performances for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. His stint with Essex can prove to be a major boost to his chances of getting a recall in the Indian Test squad ahead of their all-important tour of England in June-July this year.
If Shardul manages to do well for Sussex in the English county circuit, it will become incredibly difficult for the selectors to ignore the pace all-rounder for the England Test series. The England series will mark the beginning of the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for India and some significant changes are expected in the squad after the visitors’ debacle in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia.
Team India all-rounder has been signed up by County team Essex after his excellent performances in the Ranji Trophy. He was snubbed in the IPL 2025 mega auction but is gunning for a recall in the Indian Test squad. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
