Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Shubman Gill's decision not to use Shardul Thakur early in the first Test match against England. He reckons that the ideal time to introduce Shardul Thakur into the attack was when Joe Root was batting, as he has a decent match-up against the former England captain, having dismissed him twice in 2021.
Shardul Thakur came to bowl after 39 overs during England's first innings at Headingley. The manner Gill used Shardul did not indicate that India even believed he could take a wicket. 6 overs for 38 runs can not be and should not be the figures of your fourth seamer when the opposition has scored 465.
"You have taken Shardul Thakur in the team and didn't give him a ball in the first 40 overs. And Joe Root was batting. And Shardul has a very decent match-up against Joe Root. So, if Shardul Thakur's role is not less, then I genuinely rate Shardul as a cricketer," Ashwin said in his YouTube channel.
Ashwin said Shardul needs to be better utilised in order for him to make an impact in the match.
"He has caught Ben Duckett and Harry Brook. He can make things happen. But he has to use them at the right time. But if this is going to be the way he is going to be used, I don't think he is really making any sense. Because he has to be given the ball for him to make a difference. He didn't bowl that much in the first 40 overs."
Obviously, much more than the first innings. So, his role was very limited and I think it is very unfair to raise an argument on what he did," Ashwin added.
Shardul picked up two consecutive wickets in the second innings when England were chasing 371 runs. Shardul picked up Harry Brook and Ben Duckett's wickets before the hosts defeated India by five wickets. Ashwin further stated that it will be unfair to criticise Shardul because the fast bowling all-rounder didn't get enough opportunities at the right time during the opening Test of the ongoing Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy 2025.
"He didn't bowl that much in the second innings either. Obviously, much more than the first innings. So, his role was very limited and I think it is very unfair to raise an argument on what he did," Ashwin added.
Team India are currently in Birmingham for the second Test match, which will take place at Edgbaston Stadium from 2-6 July.