Who Will Shine: Nitish or Shardul in Current Bowling Form?
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Synopsis
As the Indian cricket team gears up for their Test series against England, a crucial decision looms: who will be the seam-bowling all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy or Shardul Thakur? Former bowling coach Bharat Arun emphasizes that the choice will depend on their current bowling form, making this a pivotal moment for the team.
Key Takeaways
- Selection dilemma: The decision lies between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur.
- Current form matters: Their recent performances will influence the final choice.
- Experience counts: Thakur brings valuable experience from past tours.
- Team dynamics: Bumrah's absence requires other players to step up.
- Adaptation is key: Quick adaptation to conditions is essential for success.
New Delhi, June 18 (NationPress) The pivotal selection dilemma for India as they prepare for their Test series opener against England at Leeds revolves around whether Shardul Thakur or Nitish Kumar Reddy will take the role of the preferred seam-bowling all-rounder. According to Bharat Arun, the former India bowling coach, this decision hinges on whose current bowling form is superior.
In two red-ball matches for India ‘A’ against England Lions held in Canterbury and Northampton, Reddy managed to score one fifty and secured two wickets. Conversely, Thakur also claimed two wickets, with his best batting score being 34.
While this marks Reddy's first tour of England, Thakur has experience, having played four Tests there – his all-round contributions were vital in India clinching the fourth Test at The Oval in 2021. “Nitish performed exceptionally well for us in Australia, demonstrating his capabilities. However, Shardul has also excelled during our last tour to England, proving to be quite useful with the bat,” Arun remarked.
“If my memory serves me right, he has achieved about two or three fifties consecutively and has delivered crucial breakthroughs whenever called upon with the ball. He possesses the ability to swing the ball and bowled in the early 130s. Therefore, the decision will ultimately come down to their current form and how effectively they are bowling at that time,” Arun shared in an exclusive conversation arranged by Sony Sports Network.
With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for all five Tests, the need for other pace bowlers and all-rounders to step up is critical, a sentiment strongly echoed by Arun. “For India to have Bumrah participating in the majority of the Test matches is a significant mental advantage. It's crucial for other bowlers to rise to the occasion.”
“In my view, they possess the potential, and therein lies a challenge. Challenges present opportunities for growth. If they can view it this way and adjust their bowling to match the conditions, they will be doing a great service to the Indian team,” he added.
Given the challenging conditions in England for overseas bowlers, the scenario remains similar for batters, particularly as India seeks to bridge the gap left by the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
“Indian batters are exceptionally talented, but our current batting lineup is not as seasoned as it used to be. The key lies in how swiftly they adapt to these conditions,” Arun concluded.
Reflecting on his tenure as bowling coach during India’s tours of England in 2018 and 2021, Arun recalled the thrilling performance at Lord’s in 2021 as one of his most cherished moments. “Without a doubt, bowling for 60 overs in the Lord's Test match, where we managed to bowl England out in just 51 overs on the last day, was a truly exhilarating experience.”
Catch the India tour of England live starting from 3:30 PM, June 20th on Sony Sports Ten 1 & Sony Sports Ten 5 channels.
Point of View
The cricketing landscape is undergoing a transition. With emerging talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy and seasoned players like Shardul Thakur, the Indian team faces a pivotal moment. As they navigate the challenges of adapting to unfamiliar conditions in England, the emphasis on form and adaptability becomes crucial for success. The focus on building a robust bowling lineup is essential for maintaining India's competitive edge in international cricket.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is preferred for seam-bowling all-rounder against England?
The choice is between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur, with the decision based on their current bowling form.
What are Nitish Kumar Reddy's recent performances?
Reddy scored one fifty and took two wickets in two red-ball matches against England Lions.
What is Shardul Thakur's experience in England?
Thakur has played four Tests in England and contributed significantly during India's last tour.
How crucial is Jasprit Bumrah's absence?
Bumrah's absence places more responsibility on other bowlers and all-rounders to perform.
What did Bharat Arun say about adapting to conditions?
Arun emphasized that adapting quickly to the conditions is key for both bowlers and batters.
