IND vs ENG / Will Gill drop this player from the playing XI for Shardul Thakur?

Shardul Thakur has sounded the bugle of comeback by playing an innings of 122 runs in the intra-squad match. Shardul, who is out of the Test team after December 2023, can now get a chance in the first Test against England. Nitish Reddy may have to sit out.

IND vs ENG: "That song is there - Rang Jama Hai, Rang Jamega!" Shardul Thakur's story also seems to be something like that. Shardul, who is out of the Test team after December 2023, has once again proved himself with the brilliance of his bat. By playing a brilliant innings of 122 runs in the intra-squad match played before the England tour, he showed that the color is not only frozen, but is now ready to be completely frozen.

Will Shardul be in the playing XI?

India's Test team has not been announced yet, but there is a buzz in cricket circles that Shardul Thakur can make it to the playing XI of the first Test. It is natural for new Test captain Shubman Gill to trust Shardul, especially when he has done such a wonder with the bat in the recent match.

Thakur vs Reddy: Who has the upper hand?

The biggest selection question before Team India is this—Shardul Thakur or Nitish Kumar Reddy? Both are all-rounders, both have the ability, but in the current form, Shardul seems to have the upper hand. Nitish Reddy had certainly performed brilliantly on the Australia tour, but Shardul's innings of 122 runs and experience of playing in England is making him a strong contender.

What will be Gill's decision?

It will be a big decision before Shubman Gill as to whom he leaves out. All the indications are that Gill can send Nitish Reddy to the bench by giving preference to Shardul. Shardul's current form, England experience and recent confidence strengthen this decision.

Importance of experience

When Team India is struggling with the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and R. Ashwin, then an experienced player like Shardul Thakur can play a big role in the playing XI. Experience of playing on England pitches and in a pressure-filled environment is very useful—and it goes in Shardul's favor.

A story of hard work and hope

Despite being out of the team after December 2023, Shardul did not give up. He performed brilliantly in domestic cricket and county cricket. Now he is very close to getting the fruits of that hard work. His comeback is not only a proof of his ability, but it also shows that no comeback is impossible with confidence and hard work.