Thakur was initially criticized for his lack of height for a fast bowler (he is 5 ft 9 in) and for being overweight for some time (83 kg) but he ultimately became a part of Mumbai domestic team.

[3] In November 2012, he made his first-class debut for Mumbai against Rajasthan at Jaipur in the 2012–13 Ranji Trophy.

[10] He became the second Indian cricketer to wear the number 10 jersey after Sachin Tendulkar, which raised various controversial comments in social media.

[18] In the historic Gabba Test vs Australia, Shardul made 67 in the first innings and took a total of 7 wickets in that match.

He took three crucial wickets with the ball, dismissing Ollie Pope for 81 in the first innings, and Rory Burns and Joe Root in the second, and was instrumental in securing his team's victory.

"[23] In September 2021, Thakur was named as one of three reserve players in India's squad for the T20 World Cup to be held in October.

[24] On 13 October, Thakur replaced Axar Patel in India's main squad for the tournament.

[26][27] In the second Test match against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in January 2022, Shardul Thakur registered his first five-wicket haul in Test matches, and also registered the best bowling figures for an Indian bowler against South Africa.

[30] Thakur was signed by Kings XI Punjab at the 2014 IPL player auction ahead of the 2015 season of Indian Premier League and made his debut against Delhi Daredevils, taking one wicket in his four overs.

[33] In February 2022, he was bought by Delhi Capitals in the auction for the 2022 Indian Premier League tournament.