Shardul Thakur was born on October 16, 1991, in Palghar, Maharashtra, a small town near Mumbai. From a very young age, he showed an extraordinary love for cricket, often participating in local matches where his raw talent as a fast bowler quickly became visible. Despite facing criticism for his height and physique, Thakur’s determination and relentless practice helped him sharpen his skills.
He completed his schooling at Anand Ashram Convent School in Palghar before pursuing higher studies at the University of Mumbai. His journey into competitive cricket required immense sacrifice—he frequently traveled long distances from Palghar to Mumbai for practice, a testament to his passion and perseverance. His consistent performances in local tournaments soon earned him recognition within Mumbai’s cricketing circles, eventually leading to his selection in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team.
Domestic and International Career
Shardul Thakur made his first-class debut for Mumbai during the 2012–13 Ranji Trophy season. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his relentless energy, made him a key bowler for the team. He played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumphs, solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising bowlers in domestic cricket.
His international career began in 2017, when he made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. Gradually, Thakur established himself as a crucial part of the Indian squad across all formats. Known for stepping up in pressure situations, his most iconic contribution came during India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2021. In the Gabba Test, his crucial batting partnership and decisive bowling performance played a significant role in securing a famous victory, earning him global recognition.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Thakur has represented teams like the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With CSK, he became a key performer, known for his ability to take wickets at crucial moments and contribute valuable runs with the bat.
Playing Style
Shardul Thakur is a right-arm medium-fast bowler renowned for generating seam movement and late swing. His aggressive mindset and ability to break partnerships under pressure have earned him the affectionate nickname “Lord Thakur” from fans. Beyond his bowling, Shardul adds depth to the batting order with his fearless lower-order contributions, making him a true all-round asset for India.
Personal Life
Born into a humble middle-class family, Shardul’s upbringing was shaped by the values of hard work and perseverance. His father, Narendra Thakur, worked as an agriculturalist, while his mother, Hansa Thakur, managed the household. Despite financial limitations, his parents always encouraged him to chase his cricketing dreams, providing the emotional strength he needed to overcome obstacles.
In 2023, Shardul married Mittali Parulkar, an entrepreneur and founder of a bakery start-up. Their grand wedding was attended by close family, friends, and several prominent cricketers, highlighting his rise from small-town roots to international stardom.
Away from cricket, Shardul is known for his down-to-earth personality and strong ties to his hometown. He actively participates in charitable initiatives and community events. Passionate about fitness and travel, he enjoys exploring new places whenever his cricketing schedule allows.
Achievements
- Played a crucial role in India’s Test series win in Australia (2021), including a match-winning all-round performance at the Gabba
- Delivered multiple match-winning spells in ODIs, T20Is, and Tests
- Member of the IPL-winning Chennai Super Kings squad
- Consistent performer for Mumbai in domestic cricket
- Recognized as a reliable all-round option for Team India
Legacy
Shardul Thakur’s journey from a small town in Palghar to becoming a vital member of the Indian cricket team is a story of resilience, perseverance, and self-belief. He has earned admiration for his never-give-up spirit, ability to handle pressure, and knack for delivering when the team needs him the most.
Nicknamed “Lord Thakur” by fans for his match-turning performances, he is steadily building a legacy as one of India’s most dependable all-rounders. His story inspires countless youngsters, proving that dedication and hard work can help overcome even the toughest obstacles to achieve greatness.
