Tag: Shardul Thakur

Early Life & Background

Shardul Narendra Thakur was born on 16 October 1991 in Palghar, Maharashtra—a town located roughly 90 km from Mumbai. His father, Narendra Thakur, worked as a vegetable farmer. As a young boy, Shardul traveled daily to attend coaching at Mumbai’s Swami Vivekanand International School, encouraged by coach Dinesh Lad, despite initial parental resistance.

He stands 175 cm tall and started out as a slightly overweight medium pacer, weighing around 83 kg. Early critics doubted his pace and physique, but Shardul committed to fitness and technique and steadily progressed.

Personal Traits & Lifestyle

Nicknamed “Lord” and “Beefy,” Shardul is known for his gritty attitude, high work ethic, and fearless nature. He is a disciplined athlete, blending strength training, running, and seam position drills.

When he bowls, he hits the deck hard, generating extra bounce plus unexpected seam movement—a style described as “hit the deck” bowling. Transitioning from fitness challenges, he embraced a rigorous routine, including gym sessions, balanced diet, and recovery protocols. Above all, he values humility and lifelong learning, evident in media interviews.

Personal Life

Shardul stays close to his family roots in Palghar. His rise came despite early geographic and financial constraints, strengthened by his family’s support .

In November 2021, he became engaged to Mittali Parulkar, and the couple married on 27 February 2023. Their relationship is low-profile, with occasional glimpses shared on social media—mostly during ceremonies or family events.

Youth & Domestic Career

Shardul debuted for Mumbai in first-class cricket in November 2012 at Jaipur, facing early struggles with 4 wickets in 4 matches. Not discouraged, he improved significantly: 27 wickets in the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy and a breakthrough 48 wickets the following season, including five five-wicket hauls.

List‑A debut came in February 2014 during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His impactful 8-wicket performance in the 2015–16 Ranji final helped Mumbai clinch their 41st title.

International Career

Debut & Growth

He earned his India ODI cap on 31 August 2017 vs Sri Lanka, followed by a T20I debut on 21 February 2018 vs South Africa, and Test debut on 12 October 2018 vs West Indies.

In March 2018, he impressed at the Nidahas Trophy, taking 4/27 vs Sri Lanka and earning Man of the Match, finishing the series with 6 wickets. A standout came in Jan 2022, with a career-best 7/61 in Tests against South Africa at The Wanderers.

In England’s 2021 Test series, he scored twin fifties at The Oval and took key wickets, earning praise as resembling Kapil Dev.

IPL Career

Shardul debuted in IPL with Kings XI Punjab in 2015. He later played for Rising Pune Supergiants (2017), Chennai Super Kings (2018–21, 2024), Delhi Capitals (2022), Kolkata Knight Riders (2023), and Lucknow Super Giants (2025).

• In 2019, he played in CSK’s final but was bowled on the last ball .

• In 2021, he took 21 wickets, leading CSK’s bowling .

• IPL career totals: 95 matches, 94 wickets, avg 30.52, economy 9.23, best 4/36.

• After going unsold in 2025 auction, he joined Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement for Mohsin Khan, earning INR 2 crore. In his first two matches, he grabbed 2 wickets in his first over and followed with 4/34.

Fitness, Injuries & Comebacks

Shardul’s early career involved battling his physique and fitness. By persistently working on conditioning, he shed weight and built stamina for high-level cricket.

He suffered a groin strain on his Test debut, bowling only 10 deliveries. Another significant injury in 2024 sidelined him for months and led to going unsold in IPL 2025.

However, he rebounded strongly: dominated Mumbai’s domestic tournaments with 35 wickets in Ranji Trophy and 15 in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2024–25). He then earned an IPL recall with LSG, taking impactful wickets in initial games. His resilience earned him the label “The second coming of Lord Shardul”.