Shardul Thakur, the dynamic Indian all-rounder, continues to make his mark across formats with clutch performances and steady contributions. As of early March 2026, his international and IPL career reflects a blend of bowling breakthroughs and handy lower-order batting. This analysis delves into his career statistics, notable records, and recent form, offering a comprehensive view of his impact on the field.
International Career Overview
Test Cricket
Shardul Thakur has played 13 Test matches, amassing 377 runs at an average of 18.85, with a top score of 67 and four half-centuries . With the ball, he has taken 33 wickets at an average of 31.03, including a best performance of 7/61 and one five-wicket haul .
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
In ODIs, Thakur has featured in 47 matches, scoring 329 runs at an average of 17.31, with a highest score of 50* . His bowling record includes 65 wickets at an average of 30.98, with best figures of 4/37 .
T20 Internationals
Thakur’s T20I career spans 25 matches, yielding 69 runs at an average of 23.00 and a strike rate of 181.57 . With the ball, he has taken 33 wickets at an average of 23.39, with best figures of 4/27 .
Domestic and IPL Highlights
First-Class & List A
In first-class cricket, Thakur has played 97 matches, scoring 2,688 runs at an average of 20.83, including two centuries and 17 fifties . He has also claimed 302 wickets at an average of 28.25, with 15 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul .
In List A cricket, he has participated in 118 matches, scoring 998 runs at an average of 19.96, and taking 180 wickets at an average of 27.93 .
IPL Career
Thakur’s IPL journey has seen him represent multiple franchises. As of early 2026, he has played for Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and most recently, Mumbai Indians .
In the IPL, he has taken 107 wickets in 102 matches, with best bowling figures of 4/34 . Notably, in IPL 2025, playing for Lucknow Super Giants, he recorded his best-ever IPL figures of 4/34, including two wickets in consecutive deliveries and reaching 100 IPL wickets in just 97 matches .
Notable Records & Milestones
- In school cricket, Thakur hit six sixes in an over during the Harris Shield Trophy in 2006 .
- In the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy season, he took 48 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 20.81, including five five-wicket hauls .
- In the 2015–16 Ranji final, he claimed eight wickets to lead Mumbai to their 41st title .
- He was the leading wicket-taker for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021 with 21 wickets .
Career Trajectory & Recent Developments
Despite strong performances, Thakur has faced selection challenges. After the 2023 World Cup, injuries and competition from emerging all-rounders limited his appearances in Tests and ODIs . In the 2025 IPL auction, he went unsold but was later drafted by Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement for Mohsin Khan . Ahead of the 2026 season, he was traded to Mumbai Indians .
Performance Analysis
Shardul Thakur’s career reflects a versatile all-rounder capable of delivering in high-pressure situations. His Test and ODI bowling averages around 31 indicate reliability, while his ability to contribute with the bat adds depth to the lower order. His first-class record, with over 300 wickets and a couple of centuries, underscores his value in domestic cricket.
In the IPL, his knack for breakthroughs—evident in his 2025 four-wicket haul and rapid 100-wicket milestone—highlights his match-winning potential. However, his inconsistent selection post-2023 suggests a need to convert domestic dominance into sustained international impact.
Internal Links
- India vs Australia Test series highlights
- IPL 2025 season review
- Ranji Trophy 2015–16 final report
FAQ
Q: What are Shardul Thakur’s best bowling figures in international cricket?
A: His best Test figures are 7/61, and his best ODI figures are 4/37 .
Q: How many wickets has Shardul Thakur taken in IPL?
A: He has taken 107 wickets in 102 IPL matches, achieving his best figures of 4/34 in IPL 2025 .
Q: Has Shardul Thakur scored any centuries in first-class cricket?
A: Yes, he has scored two centuries and 17 fifties in first-class cricket .
Q: Which IPL teams has Shardul Thakur played for?
A: He has played for Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Mumbai Indians .
Q: What notable performance did Shardul Thakur deliver in the Ranji Trophy?
A: In the 2015–16 Ranji final, he took eight wickets to help Mumbai secure the title .
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
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