India suffered a 5-wicket loss in the opening Test against England at Headingley, where the hosts chased down a daunting fourth-innings target of 371 with remarkable ease. India’s bowling unit failed to capitalise, raising questions over their strategy and selection. Among the underwhelming performers was Shardul Thakur, whose limited role with the ball became a point of discussion. Now, former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane has weighed in with tactical suggestions on how India can better use Shardul in the remaining games of the series.
Ajinkya Rahane explains how Shardul Thakur can take more wickets for India in the Test series
Shardul looked completely ineffective during the Headingley Test, going wicketless in the first innings and picking up just two wickets in the second. What stood out was the minimal number of overs he bowled — just 96 deliveries — compared to Jasprit Bumrah (262 balls), Mohammed Siraj (246), and Prasidh Krishna (210). Interestingly, it was spinner Ravindra Jadeja who bowled the most deliveries for India with 282 balls.
Rahane believes the team management failed to tap into Shardul’s potential and that the all-rounder deserves a more prominent role in the bowling attack. In a video on his YouTube channel, Rahane stressed the importance of giving Shardul more responsibility with the ball.
“With the duke ball, it generally starts to behave after 10 or 12 overs. If Shardul can start the bowling with Bumrah and Siraj can come in as one change, that will be great. I would like to see Shardul bowling more overs. Give him that freedom, he will get you more wickets,” said Rahane.
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Rahane highlights Shardul’s versatility and overseas record
Rahane also highlighted Shardul’s versatility and overseas record, saying he can be a genuine wicket-taking option if used correctly. Rahane believes Shardul hasn’t been used to his full potential and suggested that if India allows him to bowl more overs—either as a first-change option or even with the new ball—he could prove to be a consistent wicket-taker for the team.
“I feel an all-rounder’s role is very important. Shardul Thakur has been an experienced player and has done well in Test cricket overseas. I want to see more overs from Shardul. If the Indian team can use Shardul Thakur in a better way, that will be great. Whatever I have seen with him, he can swing the ball both ways and is a wicket-taker. If Shardul can bowl the first change or even given the new ball he can swing it both ways,” added Rahane.
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