Top 5 unique facts about birthday boy Shardul Thakur

Today marks the 32nd birthday of Shardul Thakur, one of India's most important all-rounders. Shardul, a native of Palghar, Maharashtra, spent his early days starting every game for the Mumbai squad in the Ranji tournament. 

When Shardul made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in 2015 with Punjab Kings, his efforts to become fitter helped him to new heights. He is currently a consistent starter for India, participating in a few of the most renowned matches while donning the recognisable blue shirt.

Top 5 unique facts about birthday boy Shardul Thakur

5) Injury on Test debut

The first Test appearance for Indian bowler Shardul Thakur was given by skipper Virat Kohli. Thakur was now the 294th player to play for India in a Test match. The debut of the Maharashtra pacer, however, did not go as planned when the bowler walked off the pitch after only 10 deliveries. 

4) Six sixes in an over

Shardul made news in December 2006 when competing for Swami Vivekanand School versus S Radhakrishnan School during the Plate Division Harris Shield when he blasted six sixes in a single over. Facing spinner Vishal Dhruv, who got humiliated, he completed the feat. 

3) Why is he called 'Lord'

Due to Shardul Thakur's outstanding performance on the pitch, he has also acquired some well-known moniker. He once discussed his nicknames in a video that was uploaded on social media. He said, “The Bull is what they have been calling me since my Ranji Trophy days. Lord and Beefy just got famous after my performances against England. It shows how much my teammates love me.”

2) Thakur was trained by Australian legend

He was able to advance his game thanks to training with one of the best quick bowlers of all time, Glenn McGrath. Thakur participated in a programme hosted by the MRF Pace Academy in Chennai. According to the bowler, this camp helped him a lot and he started playing well for his Ranji side after this camp.

1) Fastest ever fifty in England

In the first innings of India's fourth Test versus England at The Oval in 2021, Shardul Thakur recorded the third-fastest fifty by an Indian in a Test match. The 29-year-old needed only 31 balls to reach his second Test cricket half-century. Through his valuable contributions throughout the test match, India was able to win the test.