If you follow Indian cricket, you’ve probably seen Shardul Thakur’s name pop up a lot lately. The right‑arm medium‑fast bowler has become a go‑to option for both the national team and his IPL side. In this quick guide we’ll break down his last few games, any injury chatter, and what to watch for in the coming months.
Shardul’s most eye‑catching spell came in the recent series against the West Indies, where he finished with 3 / 42 in the third ODI. He bowled a tidy line, kept the run rate low, and grabbed a crucial wicket in the death overs. That performance earned him a spot in the Test squad for the upcoming England tour – a big vote of confidence from the selectors.
In the IPL, he’s been a steady workhorse for the Kings XI Punjab. Over the last five matches he’s taken 7 wickets at an economy of 7.8, which isn’t spectacular but shows he can hold his own on the fast‑track. The standout moment was a late‑over spell against Mumbai Indians where he clipped the top‑order and turned a tight chase into a win.
One thing fans love about Shardul is his batting side‑arm. He’s chipped in useful lower‑order runs, like the quick 28 off 12 balls against Sri Lanka that helped India chase a target with a few balls to spare. While he’s not a batting regular, those cameo hits often swing momentum in India’s favor.
Looking forward, the biggest question is his workload. After a packed schedule – three ODIs, two T20Is, and a busy IPL stint – the board announced a brief rest period. That means we won’t see him in the next T20 series, but he’s likely to return for the Test tour of England in December.
If you’re tracking his fitness, there’s no major injury news at the moment. A minor hamstring niggle was reported after the IPL, but he’s cleared by the physio and is doing light training. Keep an eye on his social media; he often posts short videos of his rehab drills.
Strategically, India’s pace attack is evolving. With Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shardul forming a trio, the team can rotate bowlers based on conditions. Expect Shardul to be used more in swing‑friendly venues – places like England and New Zealand where his ability to move the ball both ways shines.
Finally, for fantasy cricket fans, Shardul is a solid pick for bowlers’ points. He’s not a guaranteed five‑wicket haul, but his consistency and occasional lower‑order batting make him a value bomb, especially in formats where every run counts.
Stay tuned to this page for the next update on Shardul’s performances, injury status, and any surprise selections. We’ll keep the info short, clear, and useful – just like you need it.