Shardul Nardendra Thakur is the first and only cricketer from the entire community to
represent Cricket in its highest form. During the past years he has climbed up the ladder and
has earned a name for himself and has become a stalwart for his domestic team, Mumbai.
He has led the bowling attack for the team and his initial bowling spells has reaped dividends
more often than not. The free flowing bowling action and the ability to move the ball, left or
right, are his potent weapons. His international call is not mere a coincidence but a testimony
to his work ethics, besides his natural ability to read the game ahead.
Shardul was born into a family of Cricket lovers. His father was a cricketer himself and has
played Cricket at a good level. Hence the initial inspiration to take field was sought out from
the family within, which is an important factor in any of the sportspersons career. Shardul,
certainly has made his entire family proud with his achievements till date. Although, the
journey was not a swift ride. He hails from a small village named Mahim, in Palghar district of
Maharashtra. Cricket here is played aplenty. There are tournaments held almost every
fortnight. And the skills showcased by few are no lesser than a cricketer who represent
cricket at the highest level. However, oftenly such tournaments are played with Tennis ball
due to lack of financial resources and the budding cricketers are restricted to play within the
limits of town itself.
Shardul's family decided to ride differently and ensured that he focuses more on playing with
the leather ball. For the same reason he was shifted to Boisar, a nearby industrial town,
which had schools whoose team play leather ball Cricket regularly. Here he began the
journey in the cricketing world and developed his skills. Sighting the spark in his bowling the
coaches advised him to become a fast bowler. Nevertheless, Shardul holds a record in
School cricket for hitting 6 consecutive sixes in an over with testifies his ability with the bat
as well.
Being a fast bowler is not a layman's job. It requires a sportsperson to be physically fit and
mentally focused, besides being able to stand out over the competition. The training is
ruthless, full of sacrifices and often challenges the ability to its extreme. Not to mention, that
most fast bowlers enjoy a lesser span of career as the Indian grounds have traditionally
been spinners' friendly. Even with such limitations on the floor, Shardul and his guides
decided to swim against the current. An extra effort was pumped into making his body strong
which is visible now looking at his wide shoulders.
The family made another sacrifice when they sent there only child to stay away from them at
the uncles place in Mumbai. The time to commute was reduced and the experience of
playing around quality players and analysing the techniques with better equipments has
reaped rewards. Soon, Shardul with his swing and pace became the subject of discussion at
the junior levels. It was a matter of time that Shardul earned a cap to represent Mumbai
playing in the highest domestic competition, the Ranji Trophy in the season of 2012-13.
The start to his Mumbai career was not at all dramatic. It was quite, subdued and little of
remembrance. He learned his lessons early and being a good student of the game, was able
to make subtle adjustments that are needed to take your game into an upward gear. In the
next season, we saw a slimmer Shardul. The pace of his deliveries were gradually increased
and he began to impress slowly and steadily. He grabbed 48 scalps during the season of
2013-14 which included a haul of five wickets for 5 times. In his fourth season for Mumbai,
i.e. 2015-16, he emerged as their premier fast bowler. He was a go-to man for his Skipper,
Aditya Tare, when the going got tough. That season, Shardul did very little wrong and helped
Mumbai win their 41st Ranji Trophy. Shardul grabbed a five-for in the finals and thus
signalling the national selectors that his shoulders are now ready to lift the expectations of
the entire nation.
Shardul has been a regular member of the 'India A' team that has toured internationally. He
has impressed everyone with his performances in countries like Australia and South Africa.
He was a member of Pune team that lost the IPL finals in year 2017.
The call for the national duties was not at all surprising when Shardul was selected in the
Indian team that toured West Indies in year of 2016. India has a formidable pace attack
these days, and with exceptional performances from the veterans, Shardul is yet to break
into the playing 11. However, his name is always in contention while the national team is
announced. Meanwhile, he has played couple of one dayers for India recently.
Indian cricket team has plans to tour overseas in the next couple of years. The tours of
South Africa and England will be followed up with the tour down under in Australia. With
favourable playing conditions for the fast bowlers, the ardent fan of Shardul Thakur awaits
for the day when we all see him representing India in the whites.
Wish you all the best Shardul!
This is just a beginning!!
Go, touch the sky!!!