Shardul Thakur Set To Be Part Of India’s Test Squad For England Series: Report
India’s preparations for the much-anticipated five-match Test series against England have begun to take shape. With the first Test scheduled at Headingley in Leeds from June 20, 2025, reports suggest that Shardul Thakur is all but certain to return to India’s Test squad. The final squad is expected to be announced by the BCCI selectors in the coming weeks.
Shardul Thakur’s Impressive Domestic Form
According to Cricbuzz, the selectors have been impressed with Shardul’s stellar all-round performance in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season. Representing Mumbai, the 33-year-old delivered standout performances across nine matches:
- Runs scored: 505
- Centuries/Fifties: 1 century, 4 fifties
- Wickets taken: 35
- Role: Second-highest run-getter for Mumbai
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has been a major factor in pushing him back into contention, especially for the demanding overseas conditions in England.
Shardul’s Test Career So Far
Shardul Thakur made his Test debut on October 12, 2018, against the West Indies in Hyderabad. Since then, he has:
- Played: 11 Tests
- Scored: 331 runs
- Taken: 31 wickets
Though he hasn’t been a regular fixture in the squad, his knack for delivering in crunch situations has earned him a reputation as a reliable all-rounder.
Last Test Appearance and Recent Exclusion
Shardul last played a Test match in December 2023 against South Africa in Centurion. He was left out of the squad for:
- India’s 2024 home Test series
- The Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, which India lost 1-3 against Australia
Proven Test Performer in England
England has been a productive hunting ground for Thakur. Out of his 11 Tests, four have come on English soil. His stats in England include:
- Runs scored: 173 in 7 innings
- Fifties: 3
- Wickets taken: 10
His crucial contributions during the 2021 Test series in England, especially the two half-centuries at The Oval, remain fresh in the minds of Indian fans.
Likely Competition: Nitish Kumar Reddy
If picked, Thakur will likely compete with Nitish Kumar Reddy for the fast-bowling all-rounder spot in the playing XI. Nitish impressed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but is currently enduring a tough phase in IPL 2025:
- Matches: 10
- Runs scored: 173
- Bowling: Did not bowl in any match
This dip in form could tilt the balance in Shardul’s favour.
Full England Test Series Schedule (India Tour of England 2025)
| Test | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Headingley, Leeds | June 20–24, 2025 |
| 2nd | Edgbaston, Birmingham | June 28–July 2 |
| 3rd | Lord’s, London | July 10–14 |
| 4th | Old Trafford, Manchester | July 18–22 |
| 5th | The Oval, London | July 30–August 3 |
Final Word
With Indian conditions posing different challenges compared to England’s swinging and seaming tracks, Shardul Thakur’s prior experience in English conditions and his resurgence in domestic cricket might give India the balance they need in their Test XI. While official confirmation is awaited, all signs point to Gabbar 2.0 returning to bolster India’s overseas ambitions once again.
