ENG vs IND: Even before the start of the first Test between India and England, many cricket experts and former players had raised questions on the team selection. Especially, there were strong discussions about the inclusion of Shardul Thakur in the team.
It was clear from the pitch report of the Headingley ground in Leeds and the statement of the curator that it would be a batsman-friendly surface, which would start helping the spinners as the match progressed. Despite this, Team India decided to field four fast bowlers, in which Shardul Thakur played as a bowling all-rounder.
Shardul Thakur failed to have any impact in Leeds
The batsmen scored runs on all five days of the match, and a total of 1673 runs were scored while only 35 wickets fell. Shardul bowled only 16 overs in the entire match, and his economy rate was 5.56. The two wickets he got were also fortunate.
It was clear that neither was he bowled enough overs, nor could he make an impact. In such a situation, if Kuldeep Yadav got a chance, he could have made a significant impact on the last day of the Test when the ball was turning. Ravichandran Ashwin had raised this point before the match and repeated it again after the defeat. The selection of the team had somehow decided the role of defeat.
Now, there are reports that the team management has learned a lesson from this mistake. According to reports, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill are now in favour of playing with five main bowlers, as was the case during the tenure of Kohli and Shastri.
This strategy was not adopted in the first Test, and the team had to pay the price for it in the form of defeat. Now, considering the nature of the pitch for the Edgbaston Test, Kuldeep Yadav's return is considered certain, while Shardul Thakur's place is in danger. Whether the wicket is flat or dry, ultimately, the role of spinners is decisive, and this time, Team India will probably not repeat the mistake.
Should Kuldeep Yadav replace Thakur in the second test?
As far as my opinion is concerned, reading the match situation and the nature of the pitch is more important than debating in the selection. Shardul is a useful player, but his selection on such a surface cannot be justified just because he can score some runs.
In Test matches, bowlers have to bowl long spells, and on a spin-friendly pitch, the presence of a wrist-spinner like Kuldeep could have caused problems for the opposition team. Team India will now have to look at every Test differently; the same formula does not apply in every situation.
Gill and Gambhir should have a clear mind regarding selection - where the pitch is turning, two spinners must play. Also, no player should be included in the team just for batting depth. Wickets are needed to win Tests, and you will get them only when you select the right bowlers.
