By Rohit - February 19, 2025 05:26 PMIndian all-rounder Shardul Thakur is set to play for Essex in the County Championship, marking his debut in the English county circuit. This move comes after Thakur went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The seven-match deal will see him represent Essex in Division One matches throughout April and May, providing valuable experience ahead of India's crucial five-Test series against England in June.
The 33-year-old Thakur, a veteran of 11 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 25 T20Is, will be looking to make the most of this opportunity. This stint in county cricket offers him a chance to fine-tune his skills and acclimatize to English conditions before the high-profile Test series.
Thakur's recent form has been impressive. He showcased his batting prowess with a century (119) and a half-century (51) against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy. He followed that up with a quickfire 84 against Meghalaya, a match in which he also bagged a hat-trick. These performances underscore his commitment to proving his form and fitness for a national team comeback, having last played for India during the ODI World Cup 2023.
"I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer," Thakur said on the Essex website. "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."
Essex's Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood, expressed his delight at securing Thakur's services. "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," Silverwood stated. "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."
Thakur's county stint takes on added significance considering he went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The extended playtime in England will offer him ample opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities and adapt to the conditions, making him a strong contender for the Indian Test squad. His experience in the County Championship will be invaluable as India prepares for a challenging series against England.
