Whenever we hear the name Shardul Thakur, there’s an instant recognition. Not just because of his bowling prowess or his clutch batting performances, but because of that legendary nickname – “Lord” Shardul. I’ve been following cricket for years, and few players embody the spirit of an all-rounder quite like this Mumbai-born talent.
Born in the coastal town of Palghar, Maharashtra, Shardul has carved a niche for himself in Indian cricket through sheer determination and skill. From his early days at Anand Ashram Convent to becoming one of India’s most reliable all-rounders, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Shardul Thakur Biography
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shardul Narendra Thakur |
| Nickname | “Lord” Shardul |
| Date of Birth | 16 October 1991 |
| Age | 33 years (as of 2024) |
| Height | 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) |
| Birthplace | Palghar, Maharashtra, India |
| Education | Anand Ashram Convent, Swami Vivekanand International School, Mumbai |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Role | All-rounder |
| Jersey Number | 54 (ODI & T20I) |
Early Years and Education
Shardul’s story begins in Palghar, a quiet coastal district in Maharashtra. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, he might not have the towering presence of some fast bowlers, but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up for in heart and skill.
His educational journey took him through Anand Ashram Convent and later Swami Vivekanand International School in Mumbai. These formative years in Mumbai’s cricket-rich environment shaped his understanding of the game. The bustling maidans of Mumbai became his playground, where dreams are forged and legends are born.
International Career: The Making of “Lord” Shardul
Test Cricket Debut
Shardul made his Test debut on October 12, 2018, against the West Indies, receiving cap number 294. His first Test appearance was a testament to his perseverance – he had been knocking on the doors of the Indian team for years.
ODI and T20I Journey
His ODI career began earlier, on August 31, 2017, against Sri Lanka, where he received cap number 218. In T20Is, he earned cap number 73 when he debuted against South Africa on February 21, 2018.
Shardul Thakur Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 11 | 331 | 19.47 | 31 | 28.38 | 7/61 |
| ODI | 47 | 329 | 17.31 | 65 | 30.98 | 4/37 |
| T20I | 25 | 69 | 23.00 | 33 | 23.39 | 4/27 |
| First-Class | 92 | 2,492 | 20.59 | 298 | 27.52 | 7/61 |
These numbers tell a story of consistency and reliability. His bowling average across formats shows he’s been economical, while his batting contributions often come at crucial moments.
IPL Journey: The Financial Roller Coaster
Shardul’s IPL journey has been quite the adventure, with his salary fluctuating dramatically based on performance and market demand.
IPL Salary History
| Year | Team | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Lucknow Super Giants (Unsold in auction; signed as replacement) | ₹2 Crore |
| 2024 | NA | Unsold |
| 2023 | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹10.75 Crore |
| 2022 | Delhi Capitals | ₹10.75 Crore |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹2.6 Crore |
| 2020 | Chennai Super Kings (Retained) | ₹2.6 Crore |
| 2019 | Chennai Super Kings (Retained) | ₹2.6 Crore |
| 2018 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹2.6 Crore |
| 2017 | Rising Pune Supergiant | ₹20 Lakh |
| 2015-2016 | Punjab Kings | ₹20 Lakh |
The jump from ₹2.6 crore to ₹10.75 crore in 2022 was massive – a reflection of his improved performances and market value. However, going unsold in 2024 and then being picked up by LSG for ₹2 crore in 2025 shows how volatile the IPL auction can be.
What Makes Shardul Special?
The All-Rounder Factor
Shardul isn’t your typical all-rounder. He’s what I call a “crisis man” – someone who steps up when the team needs him most. His ability to pick up crucial wickets and contribute with the bat lower down the order makes him invaluable.
Jersey Number 54: A Lucky Charm?
Throughout his IPL career, Shardul has predominantly worn jersey number 54. This number has become synonymous with his identity, especially during his successful stints with Chennai Super Kings.
The “Lord” Phenomenon
The nickname “Lord” Shardul became popular among fans, particularly after some memorable performances where he seemed to pull off the impossible. It’s a testament to how cricket fans appreciate players who fight against the odds.
Similar: Washington Sundar Biography | Dhruv Jurel Biography
Net Worth and Lifestyle
While exact figures of Shardul Thakur’s net worth aren’t publicly disclosed, his IPL earnings alone tell a compelling story. With cumulative IPL earnings exceeding ₹30 crore over his career, plus match fees from international cricket and domestic contracts, he’s built a solid financial foundation.
His lifestyle reflects that of a professional cricketer – focused on fitness, training, and maintaining peak performance levels. Unlike some cricketers who flaunt luxury, Shardul maintains a relatively low profile off the field.
Conclusion
Shardul Thakur’s journey from Palghar to international cricket is a story of persistence, adaptability, and seizing opportunities. Whether it’s his Test best of 7/61, his crucial IPL contributions, or those moments when he truly lived up to his “Lord” nickname, he’s carved out a unique space in Indian cricket.
His career stats might not place him among the all-time greats, but his impact goes beyond numbers. He’s the kind of player every team needs – reliable, versatile, and ready to step up when it matters most.
As he continues his journey with Lucknow Super Giants and potentially more international appearances, one thing is certain: Shardul Thakur will continue to surprise and delight cricket fans with his never-give-up attitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Shardul Thakur’s height?
Shardul Thakur is 5 feet 9 inches tall.
2. What is Shardul Thakur’s age?
Shardul Thakur is currently 33 years old, born on October 16, 1991.
3. What is Shardul Thakur’s jersey number?
Shardul Thakur wears jersey number 54 in ODIs, T20Is, and IPL cricket.
3. What is Shardul Thakur’s IPL salary for 2025?
For IPL 2025, Shardul Thakur was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹2 crore as a replacement player.
4. Where did Shardul Thakur complete his education?
Shardul completed his education at Anand Ashram Convent and Swami Vivekanand International School in Mumbai.
5. What is Shardul Thakur’s bowling style?
Shardul Thakur is a right-arm medium-pace bowler.
6. Why is Shardul Thakur called “Lord”?
The nickname “Lord” Shardul became popular among fans after several match-winning performances where he exceeded expectations.
7. What is Shardul Thakur’s best bowling figures?
His best bowling figures are 7/61 in Test cricket and first-class cricket.
8. Which IPL team does Shardul Thakur play for in 2025?
Shardul Thakur plays for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025.
9. What is Shardul Thakur’s highest IPL salary?
His highest IPL salary was ₹10.75 crore, which he earned with both Delhi Capitals (2022) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2023).
10. When did Shardul Thakur make his international debut?
He made his ODI debut on August 31, 2017, his T20I debut on February 21, 2018, and his Test debut on October 12, 2018.