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Following their five-wicket defeat to England in the opening Test at Headingley, India bowlers faced scrutiny as the hosts successfully chased down a formidable fourth-innings target of 371 runs with considerable ease. The performance of India's bowling unit came under question, prompting discussions about their strategies and player selections. Among the players whose contributions were considered underwhelming was Shardul Thakur, and his limited role with the ball became a talking point. Now, former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane has shared his tactical insights, suggesting ways in which India could utilize Shardul more effectively in the remaining matches of the series.
I would like to see Shardul bowling more overs: Ajinkya Rahane
Shardul Thakur's performance during the Headingley Test was perceived as largely ineffective. He went wicketless in the first innings and managed to take only two wickets in the second. A notable aspect of his performance was the relatively low number of overs he bowled, just 96 deliveries, when compared to the workload of other pacers like Jasprit Bumrah (262 balls), Mohammed Siraj (246), and Prasidh Krishna (210). Interestingly, it was the spinner Ravindra Jadeja who bowled the highest number of deliveries for India, totaling 282 balls.
Rahane believes that the team management did not fully leverage Shardul Thakur's potential and that the all-rounder warrants a more significant role within the bowling attack. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Rahane emphasised the importance of entrusting Shardul with greater responsibility when it comes to bowling in the upcoming Tests.
“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,” Rahane said.
Ajinkya Rahane further emphasized Shardul Thakur's adaptability and his commendable track record in overseas Test matches. He asserted that Shardul has the potential to be a genuine wicket-taking bowler if he is utilized strategically. Rahane expressed his belief that Shardul has not been deployed to the full extent of his capabilities. He suggested that if the Indian team provides Shardul with opportunities to bowl more overs, whether as the first change bowler or even with the new ball, he could prove to be a consistent source of wickets 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,” Rahane concluded.
Reports are doing rounds that Jasprit Bumrah might miss the second Test against England, which is slated to get underway from July 2 in Birmingham. If that happens, Shardul Thakur will have an added responsibility to deliver for India in the absence of pace spearhead.
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