Shardul Thakur signs for Essex, to play County Championship after IPL 2025 snub

Out-of-favour all-rounder Shardul Thakur has signed for Essex and will play in the 2025 County Championship season in England. Essex announced the signing on Tuesday, 18 February, while Shardul was in action for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Vidarbha.

Shardul will make his debut in the County Championship, England's premier first-class tournament, featuring for Essex in the first seven matches of



the season. The County Championship is set to begin on 4 April, less than two weeks after the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on 22 March.

Despite going unsold in the IPL mega auction, Shardul has been in outstanding form in the Ranji Trophy, delivering with both bat and ball for defending champions Mumbai.

"I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer," Shardul Thakur said.