India’s Shardul Thakur is set to make his debut in English county cricket with the allrounder scheduled to play 7 matches for Essex in Division One from the beginning of the 2025 season. Thakur has impressed with his batting as well as his bowling in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, scoring 51 and 119 for his second First-Class century last month against Jammu and Kashmir and a 84-run innings against Meghalaya. The 33-year-old, who has played 47 ODIs, 11 Tests and 25 T20Is for India, also recently took a hat-trick in the match against Meghalaya. “I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer. Personally it brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase my talent and skills. County cricket is something I always wanted to experience and I am glad that I’ll be representing the Eagles,” Thakur was quoted as saying by Essex on their website. ✍️ Welcome to Essex, Shardul Thakur! 🦅 #FlyLikeAnEagle pic.twitter.com/mUGQCCBJIC — Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) February 18, 2025 Essex’s director of cricket and former England and Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood …