- June 17, 2025
As the England versus India Test series gets ever closer, supporters and pundits are sure to be debating decisions around teams. Is it going to be the well-publicized experience of Shardul Thakur or the better recent form of Nitish Kumar Reddy? This has all been considered fact, ex-Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has certainly helped to keep the conversation alive.
Experience or Promise? Shardul’s Edge in Big Matches
Harbhajan Singh is a guy whose opinion counts with Indian cricket followers. There is a reason why he endorsed Shardul Thakur over Nitish Reddy, he argues, as I prefer a bowler who can bat, as opposed to a batter who can bowl a little bit. It’s all about the bowling unit in terms of balance, especially if you are touring somewhere, like England.
Thakur’s statistics in England reflect this type of thinking. In four Test matches on English soil, Thakur has a batting average of just under 25; however, he also has a bowling average of 37.1. Not earth-shattering, but a steady performer, most importantly, based on experience. Thakur has played in jobs which were high-pressure, or jobs with heavy workloads – including the India tour 2021/22 and the WTC final against New Zealand.
On the contrary, Nitish might have left an impression Down Under, batting an average of 37+ whilst also taking five wickets in five tests. The question is—can he do it in England, which can be a difficult and less compelling place to play? Harbhajan doesn’t believe it is worth the risk now.
What About the Bowling Combo? Bhajji Wants Spin to Win
As the debate continues, the pace-bowling all-rounder Harbhajan had additional perspectives on the way India approaches bowling in Test matches, specifically the matter of all the spin bowling options available. More specifically, he stated that India should not always be reactive to conditions, but it should trust their strengths. His recommendation? Pick two spinners; Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja.
It is a bold claim, especially for a venue like Leeds, which in general seems to favour seamers early on, although there is a degree of method to the madness. Jadeja gives you control and reliability as a bowler, while Kuldeep gives you the variation of a wrist spinner. To be fair, Kuldeep is unproven in England, given that he has only played 1 Test match in England.
So, even in conditions that do not seem to suggest spin, Harbhajan thinks these two spinners can certainly affect a Test match. Given India’s previous tendency to choose just 1 spinner, this could provide a refreshing – and transformative – approach.
The Reddy Factor: A Bright Future, But Is It the Right Time?
And we shouldn’t forget Nitish Kumar Reddy. The 22-year-old has shown the temperament and maturity to play in Australia, which is no mean feat for any young player, and especially for someone who hasn’t played much international cricket! He has a solid technique and is confident under pressure, and, most importantly, he has a developing all-around skill set.
Harbhajan’s argument is reasonable. We haven’t seen him bowl much in IPL or other formats recently. Therefore, he might (might!) be a “genuine batsman who can bowl”, the key word is “can”. If I’m picking my No. 8 based on his bowling ability, he needs to be a wicket-taker. If not, then there is an imbalance on the side.
But nonetheless, this tour will be a learning opportunity for Reddy to acclimatize to the conditions in England from the bench, and be ready when the opportunity arises. Will India pick the proven warrior or back the next-gen hope? Go safe with Shardul or gamble with Reddy? Now let the cricket banter begin!
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