Shardul Thakur is an Indian cricketer who gets called “Lord Shardul” by his fans. Thakur is an all-rounder who was born on 16 October 1991 in Palghar, Maharashtra. He is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and has the capability to swing the ball well, and with the bat, he can score some important runs.
Shardul has played important innings in the test format, as well as in limited overs cricket. He has often changed the course of matches with his breakthrough wickets and aggressive batting, and his performances in overseas tests, particularly in Australia and England during their home season, made him a respected player in international cricket. Shardul Thakur’s determination and all-round abilities make him an important addition to Indian cricket.
Shardul Thakur, also referred to as the “Palghar Express,” is one of the most influential cricket players in India today. He rose from modest origins in Palghar, Maharashtra, and conquered the challenges of inadequate facilities and lengthy travel times to pursue his aspirations of becoming a cricket player.
His transformation from a domestic cricket player to an all-around reliable player for India is incredibly motivating. He has made a lasting impression on Indian cricket with his standout performances in Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and the IPL.
Biography of Shardul Thakur
- Real Name: Shardul Narendra Thakur
- Full Name: Shardul Narendra Thakur
- Nickname: Palghar Express
- Profession: Professional Cricketer (Bowler & All-rounder)
- Famous for: Match-winning performances with both bat and ball in Tests, ODIs, and T20s
- Best Performance: Heroic contributions in the Brisbane Test 2021 and impactful spells in the ODI series against England
- Salary: Approx. INR 5–6 crore annually (including BCCI contract and IPL earnings)
- Monthly Income: Estimated INR 50–60 lakhs from cricket and endorsements
- Website URL: N/A
- Instagram Handle: @shardul_thakur
Physical Status
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Weight: Around 73 kg
- Body Measurements: Athletic build, well-toned physique
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Hair Colour: Black
Personal Life
- Date of Birth: October 16, 1991
- Place of Birth: Palghar, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Hometown: Palghar, Maharashtra
- School: Anand Ashram Convent School, Palghar
- College: Swami Vivekanand International School, Palghar
- Highest Education Qualification: Graduate
Family Statistics
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife: Mittali Parulkar (Entrepreneur, married in February 2023)
- Children: None yet
- Parents: Father – Narendra Thakur (coconut seller), Mother – Homemaker
- Siblings: One sister
- Religion: Hinduism
- Other Hobbies: Fitness, music, traveling
Early Life of Shardul Thakur:
Shardul Thakur was born in Palghar, Maharashtra, on October 16, 1991, and grew up in a middle-income household with a tremendous love of the sport of cricket. Among other challenges, his exposure to top-quality cricket facilities was inferior as a child. However, his persistence and talent helped him gain fame publicly at a young age.
His devotion and strength were nurtured by his numerous long-distance train trips to Mumbai to train in cricket. His simple background and struggle to balance his career in academics and cricket prove his hard work. This was his way into the world of professional cricket, and his young days had many such setbacks.
Education of Shardul Thakur:
His prowess as a cricketer started to draw attention, particularly in Anand Ashram Convent School at Palghar, where Shardul Thakur completed his education. The challenge of balancing studies with sports was never easy, but Shardul consistently prioritized cricket over academics.
He then proceeded to the Swami Vivekanand International School, Mumbai, where he acquired his education, and numerous youth within that school have also become athletes. His education imparted discipline in him, and school and college cricket tournaments introduced him to competitive cricket. His inner aggression and pace as a bowler were recognized early in his career by coaches and other mentors, and this encouraged him to become even better. His school life instilled direction and dedication towards his cricketing life, though the academics were still of second priority.
Shardul Thakur: Cricket Journey
Shardul’s cricket career began with his participation in the domestic cricket circuit in Mumbai. His bounce and swing impressed the selectors, as they were evident during his age-group cricket. He gradually became a reliable top-level quick bowler, playing with the Mumbai group in the Ranji Trophy. He took crucial wickets regularly in the 2012-2013 season, which was a breakthrough season.
The national cricket players and selectors of senior cricket commended Shardul because of his determination. The result was that he made a fine all-rounder due to his attacking bowling and helpful lower-order batting qualities, in addition to the rigor of domestic cricket imparting the doggedness he required to perform internationally.
Shardul’s journey in the IPL and domestic
Shardul’s journey to cricket began with Kings XI Punjab in 2015. He etched his name in history with a standout performance in 2017 for the Rising Pune Supergiants. He joined the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), coached by MS Dhoni, and this later transformed his temperament and portrayed his capability to win the game. The fans also referred to him as Lord Shardul due to his powers to perform under pressure.
At the domestic level, Shardul also remained an important ingredient of the bowling assault of Mumbai, which enabled them to bring home multiple Ranji titles. Domestically becoming a household player in this manner led him to a chance at the IPL and then in the national team. IPL shaped his career as a great clutch player.
International Career of Shardul Thakur:
In 2017, Shardul Thakur played his first ODI for his country against Sri Lanka. Despite his early consistency issues, he quickly settled into a groove and established himself as a reliable choice in a variety of forms. His heroics against Australia at the Gabba in 2021 and his decisive efforts for England were among the match-winning instances that made his Test career soar.
As a bowler, Shardul gained the reputation of a wicket-taker sufficiently capable of breaking any valuable partnership in ODIs and T20Is. Further, he was an all-round useful player because he could score at a quick rate lower down the order. He has been a prominent contributor to India’s success and has established himself as a great contender.
Injuries and Comeback of Shardul Thakur:
Similar to most of the fast bowlers, Shardul Thakur also had his fair share of mishaps, making his progress grind to a temporary halt. He made his Test debut in 2018, against the West Indies, but was seriously injured by a hamstring injury and had to quit as early as the 10th ball. However, Shardul’s persistence was evident as he worked hard to become healthy and recuperated successfully.
Both the teammates and supporters liked the desire to regain with an even greater force. His image as a war fighter is established since his performance had an increasing impact on the comeback. Shardul’s unwavering perseverance made sure he remained an essential member of India’s bowling lineup even if ailments occasionally threatened his career.
Personal Life of Shardul Thakur:
Due in large part to his small-town upbringing, Shardul Thakur is renowned for having a modest and grounded demeanour. In 2021, he became engaged to Mittali Parulkar, his long-time lover, and the two were married in February 2023. Businesswoman Mittali has been a resolute support system for him along the way.
Outside of the field, Shardul likes to travel, spend time with family, and work out. He has gained a lot of followers thanks to his modest living and grounded manner. Shardul maintains his morals by striking a balance between his rigorous work life and his obligations. Aspiring cricket players from small places can relate to his inspirational story.
Career Statistics of Shardul Thakur:
Test Debut:
Shardul Thakur debuted in the Indian team in Test cricket against the West Indies on October 12, 2018, at Hyderabad. Tragically, he made only ten deliveries in the first Test match before a groin injury terminated the match. He, however, returned successfully in later Test matches, notably against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 202021, where his career best 67 runs at Brisbane played a critical role in India winning the series in obscenely dominant white-ball fashion.
Shardul has grown into a dependable Test all-rounder over time. Supporters frequently call him “Lord Thakur” because of his ability to win games with pivotal spells or rapid lower-order runs in trying circumstances.
ODI Debut:
On August 31, 2017, Shardul Thakur made his ODI debut in Colombo against Sri Lanka. Despite playing a small debut match, he quickly rose to prominence in India’s limited-overs bowling attack and was renowned for breaking partnerships at pivotal moments. He is frequently given the responsibility of bowling in the middle and final overs.
He is unpredictable due to his variations, which include cross-seam deliveries and knuckleballs. In ODIs, Shardul also demonstrated his value as a batsman by making insightful cameos that give the team depth. He has become a valuable asset to the team over the years due to his reputation as a bowler who can take wickets when it matters most.
T20 Debut:
On February 21, 2018, Shardul Thakur played his first Twenty20 International match at Centurion against South Africa. He made an impression with his poise and ability to take wickets, particularly under duress. His primary responsibility in the T20 format is to bowl challenging overs, either during the powerplay or towards the end.
He is difficult to deal with because of his misleading slower deliveries and bouncers. His talent for innovation makes him a match-winner, even though it can be costly at times. Shardul, who embodies the modern utility cricketer who can successfully adjust to a variety of conditions and forms, has contributed valuable runs with the bat.
IPL Debut:
In 2015, Shardul Thakur made his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab, which is currently known as the Punjab Kings. He didn’t have many opportunities at first, but after joining Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, his career took a turn for the better. Later, when playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Shardul emerged as a key player, especially during the team’s 2018 and 2021 championship runs.
He gained the moniker “Lord Shardul” for his remarkable ability to alter games with both bat and ball, and he was well-known for performing well in crucial situations. He was a reliable all-around player who earned a permanent spot in India’s limited-overs and Test teams due to his steady IPL performances.
Achievements of Shardul Thakur:
- Scored 67 runs and claimed crucial wickets in India’s historic Gabba Test victory in 2021.
- Known as “Lord Shardul,” he is renowned for constantly making breakthroughs under duress.
- Participated in overseas Test matches, particularly against Australia and England, using both the bat and the ball.
- An essential member of CSK’s IPL 2018 and 2021 championship teams, demonstrating his value in the championship game.
- He frequently ranks among India’s top wicket-takers in limited-overs forms, demonstrating his ability to disrupt partnerships.
- Acknowledged for being a true all-round player who can play both lower-order batter and strike bowler.
Here are Some of the Lesser-Known Facts about Shardul Thakur:
- For cricket training, Shardul used to travel more than 100 kilometres every day from Palghar to Mumbai.
- He displayed his batting prowess early in school, hitting six sixes in a single over.
- He battled weight problems as a teenager, but he lost more than 13 kg to reach fitness requirements.
- He is well-known for being a fitness enthusiast who prioritises strength training and diet to prevent injuries.
- MS Dhoni’s coaching at CSK greatly influenced his ability to remain composed under duress.
- Being a devout follower, Shardul frequently credits his achievements to his family and beliefs.
- Despite his notoriety, he stays true to his roots and leads a modest life.
Shardul Thakur’s career is proof of his tenacity, willpower, and faith in himself. His journey from a small-town kid carrying his equipment on trains to a professional cricket player who has helped India win matches is incredibly inspiring. He has made equal contributions with bat and ball in pivotal games and is renowned for his ability to step up to the plate. Fans find him personable and admirable outside of the cricket pitch because of his discipline, humility, and grounded demeanour. Shardul, who represents that perseverance always pays off, continues to motivate young people throughout India.
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