Shardul Thakur is having an outstanding season in domestic cricket. The Mumbai all-rounder has been one of the team's most important players in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. He is currently Mumbai’s second-highest wicket-taker and fifth-highest scorer in the tournament. During the second leg of the red-ball competition, Shardul scored 275 runs in 6 innings, including a century and two half-centuries. In addition to his batting, he also picked up 19 wickets in 6 innings, including a notable six-wicket haul in the quarterfinal against Haryana. Also Read | ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Updated Squads of All 8 Teams Shardul Thakur Focuses on Red-Ball Cricket Unfortunately, Shardul didn't secure a buyer during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. Although a chance might be possible yet, he now chooses to divert all his focus into his career with red-ball cricket. He signed with Essex County Cricket Club for next year's season. 👑 Lord Shardul🦅 #FlyLikeAnEagle pic.twitter.com/1TsHY1Q8Cc — Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) February 18, 2025 It should be noted that the season of IPL 2025 will coincide with the first half of the County Championship, which will take place from April 4 to May 26. It means that players can only be available for one of them. Although Shardul has already signed up with Essex, it is not known if he will travel to England or wait for an IPL contract. As India will be touring England in June to play a 5-Test series, this county season will be a significant chance for Shardul to prepare. Shardul has not been included in India's team for about 14 months, but with his good performances, it would not be a surprise if he is brought back. Also, India will need a pace-bowling all-rounder in England, and Shardul's good performance in India's previous tour of England in 2021 makes him a strong candidate for selection. The Mumbai all-rounder has played a total of 91 first-class matches in which he has amassed 2389 runs and has taken 296 wickets, 331 runs and 31 wickets of which came in the 11 Tests that he played for India.
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