In a dazzling display of all-round prowess, Shardul Thakur has thrown his hat firmly into the ring for a spot in India’s playing XI for the upcoming first Test against England, starting June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds. The 33-year-old all-rounder, representing India A in an intra-squad match against India at Beckenham, Kent, delivered a stunning performance, scoring an unbeaten 122 off just 68 balls and claiming four wickets. This remarkable outing has sparked excitement and debate among fans and selectors alike, as Thakur competes with Nitish Kumar Reddy for the coveted all-rounder slot in the Test squad.
A Blistering Century Against Top Bowlers
Thakur’s unbeaten 122 was a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated batting. Facing a formidable bowling attack featuring India’s pace spearheads Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, Thakur showed no signs of rust despite his last Test appearance being in December 2023 against South Africa. His knock was a blend of precision and power, as he dismantled one of the world’s best bowling units with ease. The century, scored at a blistering strike rate, came on the third day of the intra-squad match, which was called off early due to his dominance.
Thakur’s batting heroics followed an equally impressive bowling performance. On Day 1, he troubled India’s top-order batsmen, including captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Karun Nair, picking up four wickets with his disciplined medium-pace bowling. Known for his “golden arm” ability to break partnerships, Thakur’s knack for delivering in clutch moments was on full display, making a compelling case for his inclusion in the Test XI.
The Context: A Crucial Warm-Up for England Series
The intra-squad match, played behind closed doors, served as a critical preparation for India’s five-match Test series against England, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. With Shubman Gill leading the side in his first away series as Test captain, the team used this fixture to fine-tune their strategies and assess players vying for spots. On Day 1, Gill and KL Rahul scored fluent half-centuries, while Day 2 saw Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan hammer a 76-ball 101, featuring 15 fours and two sixes. However, Sarfaraz is not part of the 18-member Test squad, making Thakur’s performance even more significant.
Thakur’s century and wickets came under the watchful eyes of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and VVS Laxman, head of BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, adding weight to his claim. His performance has created a selection dilemma, particularly with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who played all five Tests in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he scored a century in Melbourne but managed only five wickets. Thakur’s proven Test record—31 wickets and 331 runs in 11 matches, including a five-wicket haul—gives him an edge in experience.
Thakur’s Road to Redemption
Thakur’s journey back to the Test squad has been paved with stellar domestic performances. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, he was Mumbai’s second-highest run-scorer with 505 runs and took 35 wickets in nine matches, showcasing his all-round consistency. Despite a lackluster outing in two unofficial Tests against England Lions earlier this month, Thakur’s intra-squad heroics have reignited his case. His ability to perform against a high-quality attack, including Bumrah and Siraj, who went wicketless in the match, underscores his readiness for the big stage.
The Selection Conundrum
The Indian team management now faces a pleasant yet challenging decision. Nitish Kumar Reddy, a rising star, impressed in Australia, but his bowling impact was limited. Thakur, with his experience and ability to swing the ball in English conditions, offers a different dimension. His four Tests in England, where he has scored 173 runs and taken 10 wickets, including a gritty 51 at The Oval in 2023, make him a strong contender. The Headingley Test, known for its seam-friendly conditions, could favor Thakur’s all-round skills.
What’s Next?
As India gears up for the first Test, Thakur’s performance has sent a clear message: he’s back and ready to contribute. Whether he edges out Reddy or serves as a valuable backup, his versatility strengthens India’s squad. The intra-squad match also highlighted the team’s depth, with players like Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul showing form, setting a positive tone for the series. With the Test just days away, all eyes will be on how India balances youth and experience in their playing XI.
Thakur’s “Lord” moniker, earned through his clutch performances, is ringing true once again. His 122* and four wickets have not only bolstered his case but also added a spark of excitement for Indian fans eagerly awaiting the England series.
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