Shardul Thakur is an Indian all-rounder known for his swing bowling and lower-order batting. He plays for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.
The mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, Zaheer Khan, played a pivotal part in persuading Shardul Thakur to rejoin the team. Shardul Thakur, India's versatile all-rounder and right-arm pace bowler, possesses the skill to swing the ball in either direction. He has repeatedly demonstrated his match-winning spells and useful contributions with the bat in the lower order. His fearless attitude and talent for taking crucial wickets make him an indispensable player across all formats. Since his international debut in 2017, he has been instrumental in several of India's victories, whether through his heroics at the Gabba in 2021 or his standout performances in the IPL. Behind the scenes, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan played a crucial role in convincing Shardul to choose LSG over other franchises. Born on October 16, 1991, in Palghar, Maharashtra, Shardul was raised in a humble background where his father, Narendra Thakur, worked as a schoolteacher. His mother, Hansa Thakur, managed the household and supported his cricketing aspirations. Together, they formed the foundation of his cricketing journey. Consider this scenario: as a young Shardul, he would wake up early to catch the 4:45 AM local train from Palghar to Borivali—a trip lasting over two hours—just to attend school and cricket practice. He would return home late at night, tired yet undeterred. His coach, Dinesh Lad, recognized his immense talent and even offered him accommodation in Mumbai to reduce travel time. Yet, Shardul chose to commute daily, showcasing his dedication and deep connection to his roots. The guidance of his father, Narendra Thakur, was immense. He instilled in Shardul the values of diligence and persistence, traits that are clearly visible every time he takes the field. His mother often recalled his bold nature from childhood, whether it was hitting six sixes in an over during a Harris Shield match or making daring decisions on the pitch. Shardul’s family shared in his triumphs wholeheartedly. Upon his return after India’s historic Test victory against Australia at the Gabba in 2021, he was greeted with a grand celebration. His parents welcomed him with immense pride, while crowds gathered outside their home to honor their hometown hero who had achieved greatness. Shardul Thakur sports jersey number 54 for India and 99 for his IPL team, Lucknow Super Giants, a number he has carried since his early cricket days. Shardul Thakur has delivered game-changing performances for India across all formats. His talent for swinging the ball at speed, combined with his fearless batting, makes him a priceless asset. His standout moment arrived during the 2021 Test series against Australia, where his innings of 67 runs and match figures of seven wickets at the Gabba were pivotal in India’s historic win. He has been a reliable option for India in limited-overs cricket, frequently breaking partnerships at critical moments. Whether in ODIs, T20Is, or Test matches, Shardul has proven his ability to deliver when the team needs him most. Shardul Thakur has been a standout performer in the IPL, representing teams like Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiant, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. His breakthrough came with CSK, where he played a key role in their title wins in 2018 and 2021. In 2025, he remained unsold initially in the IPL auction. However, circumstances changed, and LSG acquired him for ₹2 crore to replace the injured Mohsin Khan. Renowned for his knack of taking wickets under pressure and scoring vital runs down the order, he remains a highly sought-after player in T20 cricket. 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. He is often affectionately nicknamed ‘Lord Shardul’ by fans due to his all-round abilities. When did Shardul Thakur make his international debut? He debuted in ODIs on August 31, 2017, against Sri Lanka, in Tests on October 12, 2018, against the West Indies, and in T20Is on February 21, 2018, against South Africa. Which IPL team does Shardul Thakur play for in 2025? He plays for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025. All images are used for editorial purposes only. License solely with Getty/Source.