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Shardul Thakur signs with Essex, set to make debut in English county cricket | Cricket News

insidetrack IndiaFebruary 18, 2025

515 1 minute read

India’s Shardul Thakur is set to make his debut in English county cricket with the allrounder scheduled to play 7 matches for Essex in Division One from the beginning of the 2025 season. Thakur has impressed with his batting as well as his bowling in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, scoring 51 and 119 for his second First-Class century last month against Jammu and Kashmir and a 84-run innings against Meghalaya.
The 33-year-old, who has played 47 ODIs, 11 Tests and 25 T20Is for India, also recently took a hat-trick in the match against Meghalaya.
“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,” Thakur was quoted as saying Essex on their website.

Welcome to Essex, Shardul Thakur!
#FlyLikeAnEagle pic.twitter.com/mUGQCCBJIC
— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) February 18, 2025
Essex’s director of cricket and former England and Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood said, “We were very clear amongst ourselves that a high quality quick bowler, with lower-order batting ability, was a key target for the Club this winter.
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“In Shardul, we have signed just that, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Essex and see how he gets onin the County Championship,” he added.

Thakur, who was not picked any of the Indian Premier League teams in the mega auction ahead of the 2025 season, would thus get ample game-time and exposure to conditions in England to prove his form and fitness ahead of India’s tour of England in June for five Tests.
(With agency inputs)
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

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insidetrack IndiaFebruary 18, 2025

515 1 minute read

insidetrack India

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