Follow UsShardul Thakur, who has signed an Indian Premier League (IPL) deal with Lucknow Super Giants, won’t be part of the County Championship 2025. Thakur signed a deal with Essex, who play in Division One, finished fourth last year, and was a prime opportunity for the Indian all-rounder to gain a Test recall.
“Essex Cricket can confirm that Shardul Thakur will no longer be joining the Club for the start of the 2025 season following his selection by Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement player in the Indian Premier League,” Essex said in a statement on X.
“While we are naturally disappointed, we fully understand Shardul’s decision and wish him all the best for the tournament,” the club added.
Thakur had a stellar Ranji Trophy 2024/25, where he scored 505 runs, averaging 42.08 with the bat. Not only that, the all-rounder was also one of the bowlers of the season, picking up 35 wickets averaging 22.62.
It was the only competition that the all-rounder could play before India’s five-match Test series against England to stake his claim. However, now Shardul will have to use the two-month IPL window to make a return to the national team.