New Delhi: India allrounder Shardul Thakur has signed with Essex for the opening phase of the County Championship, marking his first stint in county cricket. The 33-year-old will be available for seven matches during April and May this year.
Thakur, who has taken over 100 wickets across formats for India, last played during the 2023-24 South Africa tour. Domestically, he has been in fine form, scoring over 400 runs and claiming 34 wickets at an impressive average of 21.67, helping Mumbai reach the Ranji Trophy semi-finals.
India opted for Nitish Kumar Reddy as their allrounder in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Reddy impressed with the bat, his bowling lacked impact. A strong showing with Essex could push Thakur back into India’s Test squad, especially with the upcoming five-match series in England.
Expressing his excitement, Thakur said, “County cricket is something I always wanted to experience, and I am glad to represent Essex.”
He follows the likes of Umesh Yadav, Murali Vijay, and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir in playing County Championship cricket at Chelmsford.
The allrounder will line up alongside fellow overseas bowler Simon Harmer, with Essex looking to make a strong start in pursuit of a first Championship title since 2019 when they take on the reigning champions, Surrey, at home in the opening round.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to get the signing of Shardul over the line,” Chris Silverwood, Essex’s returning director of cricket, said. “We were very clear amongst ourselves that a high-quality quick bowler, with lower-order batting ability, was a key target for the club this winter.
“In Shardul, we have signed just that, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Essex and see how he gets on in the County Championship.”
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