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County Cricket Is Something I Always Wanted To Experience: Shardul Thakur
Follow UsHe has signed up to play seven games for Essex in Division 1
There will be no Shardul Thakur at the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), but the absence from the T20 extravaganza might just prove to be a blessing in disguise for the all-rounder’s hopes of a Test comeback.
The 33-year-old will spend the Indian summer playing County Cricket in England, having signed a seven-game deal with Essex for the County Championship in Division One.
Speaking of the development, Shardul said that playing County Cricket is something he’s ‘always wanted to experience’.
“County cricket is something I always wanted to experience and I am glad that I’ll be representing the Eagles,” Shardul said.
“Personally it brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase my talent and skills,” he added.
With India slated to play five Tests away in England from June to August, Shardul will likely be a certainty in the squad - due to his skillset - should he impress for Essex. The all-rounder last played for India in Test cricket back in December 2023, in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa.
The 33-year-old is currently 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.
