Table of Contents
Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur, fondly known by fans as ‘Lord Shardul,’ has embarked on a beautiful new chapter of his life. On December 21, 2025, the cricketer took to social media to announce the arrival of his first child, a baby boy, with his wife Mittali Parulkar. The news came as a delightful surprise to the cricketing fraternity, as the couple had kept the pregnancy private for the duration of the nine months. Shardul’s announcement quickly went viral, drawing immense love and warm wishes from teammates and fans.
Shardul Thakur and his wife Mittali Parulkar welcome baby boy with heartfelt announcement
Shardul and Mittali, who tied the knot in a grand ceremony on February 28, 2023, surprised the world by revealing they had been expecting their first child in complete privacy. The announcement was made via a touching Instagram story that featured a poster declaring, “We are blessed with a Baby Boy!”
Shardul paired this with a deeply emotional message that resonated with his followers: “Hidden beneath parents’ hearts, protected by silence, faith, and endless love. Our little secret is finally here. Welcome, baby boy, the dream we held quietly for 9 beautiful months.” This poetic reveal highlighted the couple’s choice to cherish their journey away from the public eye until the very end.
Mittali, a successful entrepreneur and professional baker from Kolhapur, has been a pillar of support throughout Shardul’s career, and the arrival of their son marks a new peak in their relationship. The cricketing community, including his India and Mumbai teammates, flooded the comments with congratulations for the “Junior Lord.” The timing of the birth is particularly special, as it falls during a period of transition and homecoming for the pacer. By sharing their “little secret” so authentically, the couple has invited fans into a rare, intimate moment of their lives, celebrating a dream that was nurtured with patience and devotion throughout the year 2025.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli shows class by signing net bowler’s iPhone after practice session in Alibaug
Shardul’s homecoming and high stakes for IPL 2026
While Shardul celebrates his new role as a father, his professional life is reaching a significant turning point as he returns to his roots with the Mumbai Indians. Having been traded from Lucknow Super Giants back to his home franchise for the IPL 2026 season, Shardul is set to bolster an MI squad looking for versatility and experience. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene has already expressed high expectations, noting that Shardul’s ability to swing the ball and provide crucial cameos with the bat offers a “different structure” to the team’s lineup.
Shardul, who captains Mumbai in the domestic circuit, has a storied history of performing under pressure, boasting 107 wickets and a reputation for breaking partnerships at critical moments. Despite being out of the national side recently, his leadership in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy proves he remains a fierce competitor. As he prepares to don the Blue and Gold again, the motivation of playing for his newborn son and his home city is expected to drive him toward a standout performance in the upcoming season. The Mumbai Indians‘ warm welcome of “Junior Lord” further cements the emotional connection Shardul shares with the franchise as he seeks to lead them back to championship glory.
