Follow UsShardul Thakur going unsold at the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) came as a massive shock, but the all-rounder will now be using the ‘free’ IPL window to his advantage, having signed for Essex in the forthcoming County Championship season.
The move comes as a huge boost for Shardul as he aims to make his comeback to the Indian Test team. With India scheduled to play five Tests against England in June and July, the stint with Essex could make the 33-year-old a prime contender for the England series.
Essex have confirmed that the right-arm seamer will play as many as seven games for the club in the forthcoming County season.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to get the signing of Shardul over the line,” Essex Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood, 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.”
Shardul is in the midst of an outrageous Ranji Trophy season. He has taken 34 wickets @ 21.67 a piece and, to go along with that, has scored 439 runs at an average of 39.90. He is currently representing Mumbai in the semi-final against Vidarbha.
Essex, meanwhile, last season, finished third in Division 1.