Shardul Thakur, the talented Indian all-rounder, hasn’t played a Test match for India since December 2023. But after a fantastic Ranji Trophy season, he’s hoping to make a comeback to the Indian Test team for their tour of England.
Shardul Thakur is having an amazing season in the Ranji Trophy. He’s Mumbai’s second-highest wicket-taker and their fifth-highest run-scorer. In the second half of the tournament, he scored 275 runs in just six innings. This included one century (119 runs) and two half-centuries (51 and 84). He also took 19 wickets in six innings, including a six-wicket haul in the quarterfinal against Haryana. His all-around performance has been crucial for Mumbai.
IPL Snub and County Cricket Opportunity
Surprisingly, Shardul Thakur didn’t get any bids at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. While there’s still a small chance he could be picked up later, Shardul has decided to focus on red-ball cricket. According to talent scout Nisarg Naik, Shardul is in talks with Essex County Cricket Club.
The IPL 2025 season and the first part of the County Championship in England overlap. This means players can only participate in one or the other. If Shardul doesn’t get an IPL contract, he plans to go to England to play county cricket. This is important because India will tour England in June for a five-match Test series.
“Right now, there are no definite plans, but county cricket has six or seven matches around that time,” Shardul told reporters last week. “If I get selected, it will help me get used to English conditions before the England tour.”
Eyeing a Test Comeback
Shardul Thakur hasn’t been in the Indian cricket team’s plans for about 14 months. But his recent performances have been so good that he could be added to the squad for the England tour. A pace-bowling all-rounder is always valuable in England, and Shardul has performed well on previous tours there, including the 2021 tour.
Shardul’s Ranji Trophy Stats
Here’s a summary of Shardul Thakur’s impressive stats in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season:
- Matches: 9
- Runs: 426
- Batting Average: 42.60
- Wickets: 34
- Bowling Average: 21.67
- Bowling Strike Rate: 38.88
A Chance to Prove Himself
Shardul Thakur has always been a valuable player for India in Test matches. He has the ability to take wickets and score important runs lower down the order. His all-around skills make him a valuable asset to any team. If he gets the chance to play county cricket, it will be a great opportunity for him to prove himself and show that he deserves a place in the Indian Test team. His recent Ranji Trophy performances have shown that he is in excellent form, and he will be hoping to carry that form into county cricket and then into the Test series against England.
For Shardul, this situation could be a win-win. If he gets an IPL contract, he can play in the IPL. If he doesn’t, he has the opportunity to play county cricket and prepare for the England tour. Either way, he’s focused on playing cricket and improving his skills. His dedication and his desire to play for India are clear. His county cricket stint could be the perfect stepping stone for a successful return to the Indian Test team.
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