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R Ashwin Questions Gill’s Captaincy After India’s Headingley Defeat: "Why Pick Shardul If You..."

Sakshi Sharma

R Ashwin on Shardul Thakur (Source:@crictale_16,x.com)R Ashwin on Shardul Thakur (Source:@crictale_16,x.com)

India's much-anticipated tour of England began on a disappointing note as the visitors faced a five-wicket defeat in the opening Test at Headingley. Despite posting an imposing 471 runs in the first innings, India faltered with the ball, allowing England to respond and eventually dominate the contest. 

While fielding lapses and inconsistent bowling contributed to the loss, a tactical decision by captain Shubman Gill, notably the delayed introduction of Shardul Thakur, has sparked sharp criticism, notably from veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

It is important to mention that Thakur’s brief first spell yielded no success, as he conceded 23 runs in three overs, after which he was removed from the attack and was not re-introduced until 22 overs later. While his second spell was tighter, conceding just 15 runs in another three overs, he never appeared likely to take a wicket.

R Ashwin criticizes Shubman Gill's decision

R Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, questioned Gill’s handling of Thakur. He was only brought into the attack in the 40th over of England’s first innings, by which the hosts’ batters, including Joe Root, had firmly settled in.

"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.

R Ashwin also stressed that Shardul Thakur’s potential lies in being used smartly and aggressively. 

"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."

In the second innings, Shardul Thakur was given the ball earlier by the 19th over but still ended up bowling just 10 overs. While he did pick up two wickets, many saw them as fortuitous rather than the result of a tactical masterstroke. India, by then, was already struggling to contain England on the final day.

"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.

Will Shardul Thakur Play The 2nd Test Match? 

India’s bowling performance has put team selection under the spotlight ahead of the second Test in Birmingham. With Jasprit Bumrah having bowled 44 overs in the Leeds Test, management may consider resting him. If that happens, India may opt for a full-time bowler rather than continuing with Shardul Thakur in an all-rounder role.

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Thakur, especially if the pitch offers turn.