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Shardul Thakur vs Nitish Reddy: Battle for India's Crucial All-Rounder Slot At Leeds

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Shardul Thakur And Nitish Reddy [Source: @rohitksingh, @ShuhidAufridi/x.com]Shardul Thakur And Nitish Reddy [Source: @rohitksingh, @ShuhidAufridi/x.com]

India's first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds approaching on June 20,  witnesses a selection battle between Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy. While both players are in the squad, Shardul's unbeaten 122 in the recent intra-squad practice match provides compelling evidence for his inclusion.

Here are a few reasons why Shardul Thakur would get the nod ahead of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the first Test. 

1. Experience in English Conditions

Shardul Thakur's proven track record in England stands out. He has played four of his 11 Tests in the country, including the 2021 tour where he finished with 122 runs at an average of 24.40 and eight wickets at a bowling average of 33.38. His performance data shows consistent success in extracting seam movement and swing in English conditions. 

Reddy's performance in the England Lions matches revealed some technical flaws. During the second unofficial Test at Northampton he was bowled in both innings, struggling to judge seam movement. Most notably, part-time medium pacer Tom Haines dismissed him, raising questions about his ability to handle England's specialist seamers.

2. Depth In Bowling

The statistics from recent performances reveal Thakur's bowling advantage. During the first India A vs England Lions unofficial Test in Canterbury (May 30-June 2), Thakur bowled 28 overs—nearly double Nitish Reddy's workload—while extracting more movement and bounce. In overall Test cricket, Thakur's 31 wickets at 28.38 from 11 matches contrasts with Reddy's limited bowling experience in his five Tests to date, making Thakur the more proven fifth bowling option for English conditions.

3. Mental Fortitude

Thakur's 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season with Mumbai was exceptional—505 runs from 12 innings including a century and four fifties, plus 35 wickets at an average of 22 across nine matches. His century in the practice match, scored against a decent bowling attack, demonstrates his ability to handle pressure.

Team Balance and Reliability

As a more experienced and reliable bowler suitable for English conditions, Thakur's ability to swing the ball with gentle pace makes him ideal to support the frontline pace trio. For a team in transition with many players experiencing English conditions for the first time, Thakur's experience and recent form make him the logical choice for Headingley Test.