Shardul Narendra Thakur is an Indian international cricketer who plays for India in all three formats of the game. He is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a right-handed lower-order batsman. Thakur is known for his ability to swing the ball and generate extra bounce. He is also a useful lower-order batsman who can contribute with quick runs.
Thakur was born on October 16, 1991, in Palghar, Maharashtra, India. He comes from a humble background. His father, Narendra Thakur, was a farmer, and his mother, Savita Thakur, was a homemaker. Thakur has one elder sister and one younger brother.
Thakur started playing cricket at a young age. He made his domestic debut for Maharashtra in the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy season. He quickly caught the attention of the selectors with his impressive performances. In the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season, Thakur finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker with 48 wickets at an average of 20.81.
Thakur made his international debut for India in an ODI match against Sri Lanka on August 31, 2017. He made his T20I debut against New Zealand on November 1, 2017. He made his Test debut against Australia on December 26, 2018.
Thakur has played 51 ODIs for India and has taken 78 wickets at an average of 32.87. His best bowling figures in ODIs are 5/29 against Sri Lanka.
Thakur has played 41 T20Is for India and has taken 42 wickets at an average of 27.19. His best bowling figures in T20Is are 4/23 against Sri Lanka.
Thakur has played 26 Tests for India and has taken 51 wickets at an average of 26.20. His best bowling figures in Tests are 7/61 against England.
Thakur has not captained any team at the international level. However, he has captained Mumbai in the Indian Premier League
Thakur has not been involved in any major controversies. However, he was once criticized for wearing the number 10 jersey for India in ODIs. The number 10 jersey is traditionally worn by all-rounders, and Thakur is primarily a bowler.
Thakur is unmarried. He is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature. He is also a popular figure on social media.
Thakur is actively involved in philanthropy. He has set up a foundation to help underprivileged children. He has also donated money to various charities.
Shardul Thakur is one of the most promising fast bowlers in India. He is known for his ability to swing the ball and generate extra bounce. He is also a useful lower-order batsman. Thakur has already achieved a lot in his international career, and he is expected to play a key role for India in the years to come.