Shardul Joshi

Shardul Joshi, born on 1st September 1989 in Mumbai, India, embarked on his cricketing voyage from the dusty pitches of his local school grounds. From a young age, Shardul displayed an insatiable hunger for the sport, finding inspiration in legends like Kapil Dev and Andrew Flintoff. His prodigious talent as an allrounder was evident early on, mastering both bat and ball with equal fervour.

His journey through the ranks was anything but linear. Joshi's resilience was tested as he juggled studies and cricket, often practising late into the night. His dedication bore fruit when he broke into Mumbai's U-19 team, and soon after, he earned a spot in the Ranji Trophy squad. Joshi’s first-class debut was nothing short of electrifying, impressing with his right-hand batting flair and astute right-arm fast-medium deliveries. His domestic performances propelled him into the limelight, eventually leading to his international debut for India in 2013 against South Africa.

In the international arena, Joshi was a revelation. He played a vital role in India's 2014 Asia Cup victory, remembered for his spellbinding 5-for against Pakistan, a performance etched in the memory of fans. His aggressive lower-middle-order batting turned games around, while his knack for breaking partnerships made him indispensable. The 2015 World Cup semi-final against Australia showcased his mettle; his spirited 60 off 45 balls almost swinging the game India’s way, demonstrating his big-match temperament.

Joshi's career was defined by fiery rivalries, none more intense than against arch-rivals Pakistan and South Africa. His duels with Pakistan’s top order were particularly enthralling, where his inswinging yorkers became legendary.

Known for his dynamic playing style, Shardul combined rapid-fire batting with clever variations in pace, crucial to his success in limited-overs cricket. Although often overshadowed by more flamboyant peers, it was Joshi’s grit and tenacity that turned many critical matches in India’s favour.

One can't ignore the heart-stopping 2018 IPL final, where his last over heroics led his team to a nerve-jangling victory, a testament to his robust character. Shardul Joshi may not have always been the headline-grabber, but his profound impact is felt across cricketing lore, one that aspiring cricketers look up to, embodying the spirit of perseverance and passion.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats