Shardul Thakur is an Indian all-rounder and fast bowler known for his swing bowling and match-winning performances across formats. He has been a key player for India and IPL teams like LSG.
LSG mentor Zaheer Khan was instrumental in convincing Shardul Thakur to rejoin the franchise. Shardul Thakur, India’s versatile all-rounder and right-arm fast bowler, possesses the skill to swing the ball in both directions. He has repeatedly demonstrated his match-winning capabilities with crucial bowling spells and valuable runs from the lower order. Known for his fearless attitude and knack for breaking partnerships, Thakur remains a crucial player across all game formats. Since his international debut in 2017, he has been a pivotal figure in India’s victories. Whether it was his standout performance at the Gabba in 2021 or his impressive IPL contributions, he continues to establish himself as a reliable performer. Off the field, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan played a decisive role in luring Thakur back to the team. The bowler himself admitted that Zaheer’s guidance was the reason he chose LSG over other franchises. Born on October 16, 1991, in Palghar, Maharashtra, Shardul grew up in a humble family where his father, Narendra Thakur, worked as a schoolteacher. His mother, Hansa Thakur, managed the household and provided unwavering support throughout his journey. Together, they formed the foundation of his cricketing ambitions. Picture this: a young Shardul rising before dawn to catch the 4:45 AM local train from Palghar to Borivali—a trip spanning over two hours—solely to attend school and cricket practice. He would return home late at night, exhausted but undeterred. His coach, Dinesh Lad, recognized his immense potential and even offered him accommodation in Mumbai to cut down travel time. However, Shardul opted to commute daily, showcasing his discipline and deep-rooted connection to his hometown. His father’s influence was profound. Narendra Thakur instilled in him the values of hard work and persistence, traits visibly reflected in his performances. His mother often recalled his bold nature from childhood, whether it was smashing six sixes in an over during a Harris Shield match or making decisive on-field choices. Shardul’s family celebrated his triumphs as their own. When he returned home after India’s landmark Test victory against Australia at the Gabba in 2021, he was greeted with a grand welcome. His parents embraced him with immense pride while supporters gathered outside their residence to cheer for their hometown hero who had achieved greatness. Shardul Thakur sports jersey number 54 for India and 99 for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, a number he has carried since the early stages of his cricketing journey. Shardul Thakur has delivered match-turning performances for India in every format. His ability to generate swing at pace, coupled with aggressive batting, makes him an invaluable player. His defining moment arrived during the 2021 Test series against Australia, where his 67-run innings and seven-wicket haul at the Gabba were instrumental in India’s historic win. He has been India’s go-to bowler in white-ball cricket, frequently breaking partnerships at critical moments. Whether in ODIs, T20Is, or Tests, Shardul has consistently stepped up when the team needed him most. Shardul Thakur has been a standout performer in the IPL, representing teams such as Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiant, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. His breakthrough came with CSK, where he played pivotal roles in their 2018 and 2021 championship victories. In 2025, he went unsold initially in the IPL auction but received a lifeline when LSG acquired him for ₹2 crore to replace the injured Mohsin Khan. Renowned for his wicket-taking ability in pressure situations and valuable contributions with the bat, he remains a highly sought-after T20 specialist. What is Shardul Thakur’s age and date of birth? Shardul Thakur was born on October 16, 1991. As of 2026, he is 34 years old. Fans often refer to him as ‘Lord Shardul’ due to his all-round contributions. When did Shardul Thakur make his international debut? He made his ODI debut on August 31, 2017, against Sri Lanka. His Test debut came on October 12, 2018, against West Indies, while his T20I debut was on February 21, 2018, against South Africa. Which IPL team does Shardul Thakur represent in 2025? He represents the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2025 season. All images included are for editorial use only and are licensed through Getty/Source.