Team India lost the Leeds Test match under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.
The host team is leading 1-0 in the five-Test series against England, chasing the target of 371 runs in Leeds and defeating India by 5 wickets. Former veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is unhappy with a decision of captain Shubman Gill in this match. Ashwin was upset with not including Shardul Thakur in the opening bowling attack, especially when Joe Root was batting. Shardul had dismissed Root twice in 2021.
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Limited use of Shardul
In the Leeds Test, Shardul Thakur was brought in to bowl after 39 overs in England’s first innings. Gill’s use of him did not seem like the team had confidence in him to take wickets. Shardul conceded 38 runs in just 6 overs in the first innings and did not take any wicket. In reply to India’s 471, England scored 465 runs. In the second innings, Shardul gave away 51 runs in 10 overs and dismissed Ben Duckett (149) and Harry Brook (0) on consecutive balls.
Ashwin’s analysis
On his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “Shardul was selected in the team, but he was not given a single ball in the first 40 overs while Joe Root was at the crease. Shardul has performed well against Root before. I rate Shardul highly as a cricketer, if his role is not reduced.” Ashwin stressed that Shardul should have been given the ball at the right time, so that he could make a difference.
Question on Shardul’s role
Ashwin further said, “Shardul dismissed Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in the second innings, which shows that he can deliver results. But it is important to use him at the right time. He was given very little bowling in the first innings, and his role was limited in the second innings as well. It is unfair to debate his performance because he did not get enough opportunities.”
