Know Your Player – Shardul Thakur
Cricketing milestones, rise through the ranks, trials and tribulations and their glamorous lifestyles – we cover it all in the ‘Know Your Player’ section. In this edition, we will be taking a look at the Indian pacer who has displayed unbelievable growth in recent months, Shardul Thakur. Hailed as ‘Lord’, the pace bowler from Mumbai has shone in the most difficult circumstances. Keep watching this space for a new superstar every time!
The Rise
Shardul was born in a far-flung village located near Mumbai borders, Palghar. Since there were no schools in Palghar that facilitated season ball cricket, his family shifted to Boisar. Showing his batting capabilities, Shardul smashed 6 sixes from 6 balls in an over while representing Swami Vivekanand International School, Borivali.
In November 2012, Shardul Thakur made his first-class debut for Mumbai against Rajasthan at Jaipur in the Ranji Trophy. The pacer did not have a good start to his career as he took four wickets in his first four games.
In the following season, Thakur took 27 wickets in six games. He then reached his peak in the 2014-15 Ranji season as he claimed 48 wickets in ten matches. He was the joint-highest wicket-taker of the season. His eight-wicket haul in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy final helped Mumbai win their 41st Ranji Trophy title.
Consistent performances in domestic cricket landed Shardul on the cusp of his national debut. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut on 31 August 2017 against Sri Lanka. In the next year, he went on to represent India in the other two formats as well.
Career Highlights
Off The Field
For his unexpected exploits in the field, cricket fans fondly call him Lord Thakur. The nickname has gained tremendous popularity and is used frequently. Thakur has received tremendous love from Indian cricket fans in recent months and he is living up to it with his performances.
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