The Indian team management, along with stand-in skipper Shubman Gill, has come under sharp criticism from former cricketers Dinesh Karthik and Aakash Chopra for the underutilisation of seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur during the ongoing Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds. Despite being included in the playing XI for his dual skills with both bat and ball, Shardul has been noticeably sidelined in the bowling attack, sparking questions about his role and the team’s strategy.
Dinesh Karthik, currently part of the commentary panel, didn’t hold back in voicing his disappointment. “If you’re picking Shardul Thakur in the side, you have to use him properly. He’s not in the team just to fill a slot or bat at No. 8. He’s a genuine wicket-taking bowler, especially in conditions like Leeds where seam movement plays a major role,” Karthik remarked. His frustration was evident as Shardul bowled only a few overs in the first innings despite overcast conditions and visible assistance for fast bowlers.
Echoing those sentiments, former opener Aakash Chopra also took to social media to express his concerns. “What’s the logic in playing Shardul if you’re not going to give him a decent spell with the ball? You can’t have a bowler in the XI who’s seen as a part-time option. This isn’t T20 cricket where you can hide bowlers. In Test cricket, you need to trust your full bowling arsenal,” Chopra tweeted during the England innings.
Shardul Thakur, known for his knack of breaking partnerships and his ability to swing the ball both ways, has previously delivered in crucial situations for India — including key spells in Australia and England. His exclusion from the primary bowling rotation raised eyebrows, especially when other seamers were visibly tiring, and the pitch continued to offer assistance.
What puzzled experts further was the fact that India chose to go in with four pacers including Shardul, but barely used him, effectively reducing the attack to three. This tactical call not only diminished the balance of the side but also put additional pressure on Jasprit Bumrah and the other frontline seamers, who had to shoulder a larger burden of overs.
Moreover, Shardul’s recent record in English conditions has been impressive. His performances with both bat and ball have often tilted sessions in India’s favour in the past. By underutilising him, the team may have missed an opportunity to rotate bowlers effectively and keep their attack fresh, especially in a long series.
Shubman Gill, captaining in place of the rested Rohit Sharma, is still learning the nuances of Test leadership. However, his bowling changes and field placements have drawn scrutiny. While some may chalk it up to inexperience, the criticism from seasoned voices like Karthik and Chopra underlines the importance of tactical sharpness, especially in tight matches.
With more Tests remaining in the series, it remains to be seen whether the management will reassess their use of players like Thakur. If not for tactical reasons, then at least to make sure that every player in the XI is given the opportunity to contribute — a fundamental principle in team sport.
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