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Essex sign seasoned India all-rounder Shardul Thakur for seven County Championship matches

ANI February 18, 2025 155 views

Shardul Thakur, a versatile Indian all-rounder, has secured a significant seven-match contract with Essex for the 2025 County Championship season. With an impressive record of 83 international appearances and 129 wickets across formats, Thakur brings substantial experience to the team. His recent domestic performances, including over 400 runs and 34 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, highlight his current form and potential impact. Essex's Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood, expressed excitement about acquiring a high-quality quick bowler with strong lower-order batting capabilities.

"County cricket is something I always wanted to experience" - Shardul Thakur
New Delhi, February 18: Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur is set to make his mark in County Cricket after being signed by Essex for seven matches. This exciting opportunity will allow Thakur to showcase his skills in a new and challenging environment.

Key Points

1

Seasoned Indian all-rounder signs with Essex for seven matches

2

Brings impressive domestic and international cricket credentials

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Follows path of previous Indian cricketers at Essex

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Seeks to make impact in County Championship

Essex released a statement confirming Shardul's availability for the seven County Championship games during April and May.

"Star Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has agreed a seven-match Rothesay County Championship deal with Essex from the beginning of the 2025 season," Essex said in a statement.

This will mark Shardul's first stint in County Cricket. The seasoned all-rounder has represented India on 83 occasions in all formats, scoring 129 wickets across all formats, including 31 scalps in 11 Test appearances.

Shardul has enjoyed a fruitful run in India's domestic circuit, scoring over 400 runs and taking 34 wickets at an average of 21.67 to help Mumbai storm into the semi-final of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season.

He boasts a total of 296 First-Class wickets at an average of 27.45, and he also has over 2,389 runs, with two centuries and 15 half-centuries.

"I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer. Personally it brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase my talent and skills. County cricket is something I always wanted to experience and I am glad that I'll be representing the Eagles," Shardul said in a statement released by Essex.

Shardul will be the latest Indian to play for Essex after Umesh Yadav, Murali Vijay and India's current head coach, Gautam Gambhir. With the inclusion of Shardul, Essex will aim to claim their first Championship title since 2019.

"We're absolutely thrilled to get the signing of Shardul over the line. 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," Essex Director of Cricket Chris Silverwood said.

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