The stint will be a first in county cricket for Thakur, who has taken more than 100 wickets across all three formats for India, with his last appearance coming on the 2023-24 tour of South Africa.
“I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer,” Thakur said. “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 is the latest India international to play County Championship cricket at Chelmsford in recent times, following in the footsteps of Umesh Yadav, M Vijay and India’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
He will line up alongside fellow overseas bowler Simon Harmer, with Essex looking to make a strong start in pursuit of a first Championship title since 2019 when they take on the reigning champions, Surrey, at home in the opening round.
“In Shardul, we have signed just that, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Essex and see how he gets on in the County Championship.”
