Shardul Narendra Thakur, the aggressive quick bowler from India, has made a mark in the world of cricket with his ability to swing the ball away from right-handers while delivering powerful pitches. Born and raised in Palghar, a town north of Mumbai, Thakur had to overcome various challenges to pursue his cricketing dreams.
From a young age, Thakur braved the early morning trains and long commutes to Mumbai, carrying his kitbag in tow. His dedication and perseverance paid off when he made his debut for Mumbai in the 2012-13 season, coinciding with their victorious campaign in the Ranji Trophy. Although he only managed to pick up four wickets in four matches, averaging 82, this experience set the foundation for his growth as a cricketer.
Undeterred by his initial setbacks, Thakur took the advice of his Mumbai teammates to heart and worked on improving his fitness. The following season, he returned leaner and fitter, and his performances reflected his hard work. He grabbed 27 wickets at an average of 26.25, showcasing his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket. The 2014-15 season proved to be even more fruitful, with Thakur finishing joint-top of the Ranji Trophy bowling charts, taking 48 wickets at an impressive average of 20.81.
Thakur’s exceptional performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion in the India A squad. He featured in four-day games against Australia A and South Africa A, displaying his skills on the national stage. During a match for the Board President’s XI, he claimed a crucial four-wicket haul against the touring South African team, taking the wickets of prominent batsmen Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Thakur was signed by Kings XI Punjab for INR 20 lakhs at the 2014 player auction. Although he had limited opportunities in his initial seasons, playing only one match, he continued to work hard and remained determined to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Thakur’s breakthrough came in the 2015-16 season when he became the spearhead of Mumbai’s bowling attack. Alongside Dhawal Kulkarni, he played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s triumph in the Ranji Trophy, displaying his ability to swing the ball and deliver powerful deliveries. One of the highlights of the final against Saurashtra was his dismissal of the formidable Cheteshwar Pujara, as he unleashed a delivery that rose sharply from a length and made contact with the shoulder of Pujara’s bat.
As Thakur continues to evolve as a cricketer, his future looks promising. With his skills as a swing bowler and his relentless determination, he has the potential to become an integral part of the Indian national team. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly await his further contributions to Indian cricket as he embraces new challenges and strives for excellence on the global stage.