Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has agreed to a seven-match deal with Essex to participate in the Rothesay County Championship, starting in April 2025.
The county club announced the signing on February 18, while Thakur was representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Vidarbha.
This marks Thakur’s first foray into County cricket, and he expressed his excitement about the new challenge.
Thakur, 33, has played for India in 83 international matches, including 11 Tests and 72 ODIs. He last played for India in December 2023 in a Test match against South Africa.
He is also a two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champion with the Chennai Super Kings. Despite his form in the domestic circuit, he went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
“I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer,” said Thakur. “Personally, it brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase my talent and skills.”
He also mentioned his long-held desire to experience county cricket, expressing happiness about representing the Eagles.
Chris Silverwood, Essex Director of Cricket, expressed his delight at the signing of Thakur, highlighting his skills as a quality bowler and valuable lower-order batsman.
“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 is set to debut for Essex on April 4 against reigning champions Surrey at Chelmsford. His schedule includes matches against Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire in April, followed by games against Somerset, Yorkshire, and return fixtures against Worcestershire and Surrey in May.
If Thakur joins any IPL team as a replacement player in IPL 2025, he would not be able to play for Essex in the County Championship 2025.
However, if he delivers match-winning performances for Essex, there is a possibility of him getting selected for the five-match Test series between India and England in June this year.
