NEW DELHI: India all-rounder Shardul Thakur is set to play seven matches for Essex in Division One of the County Championship, beginning the 2025 season, the club announced on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old, who has represented India in 11 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 25 T20Is over the past eight years, will be making his debut in county cricket. Known for his ability with both bat and ball, Thakur has been in impressive form recently.
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He registered his second First-Class century last month, scoring 119 against Jammu and Kashmir, followed by a crucial 84 against Meghalaya in the Ranji Trophy. Additionally, he claimed a hat-trick in the same match, reinforcing his credentials for a national team comeback, with his last appearance for India coming in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Expressing his excitement, Thakur stated, “I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer. 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, highlighted Thakur’s value to the squad, stating, “We were very clear 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 performs in the County Championship.”

Having gone unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Thakur will now have ample game time in English conditions ahead of India’s crucial five-Test series in England later in June.