- July 23, 2025
Another Test with another injury issue for Team India! This time, it’s young Nitish Kumar Reddy who is injured (knee) just before the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. With the series at 1-2, India needs not just a new player, but the right new player, to keep the series alive! The selectors have two options – Shardul Thakur, the crafty pace-bowling all-rounder, or Dhruv Jurel, the gifted batter-keeper, and both form eyebrows from the selector’s perspective. But who makes more “sense” for India’s playing XI? Let’s break it down.
Shardul Thakur
Inquiring of the average cricket fan about Shardul Thakur will yield a typical response, as Shardul is a kind of genius to arrive at just the right moment for a breakthrough (or to do something cheeky like materialize with a half-century). There is ample reason to crown Shardul with the label of ‘part-time miracle worker.’ But to suggest that he is simply ‘the lucky charm’ does a disservice to what Shardul brings with his numbers and performances. 33 wickets from 12 tests and a respectable Ranji season (505 runs and 35 wickets), and Shardul is a little bit more than just a bit of charm.
The Old Trafford pitch in Manchester is regarded as a pitch with bounce and some help for seamers, particularly in the early days of the Test. Under these conditions, having a fourth seamer is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. With Jasprit Bumrah in the attack and India cognizant of over-bowling him, Shardul is insurance – an option that keeps the bowling unit fresh over five strenuous days.
Dhruv Jurel
On his part, Dhruv Jurel has not escaped by having a fan club swell in numbers. After some fighting innings in the India A series and a tough-looking substitute stint for Rishabh Pant at Lord’s, Jurel has established himself as more than just another name in the pipeline. His 94, 53, and 52 in the A games showed his temperament under pressure – something that one can’t teach.
Yet, the big question is: where does he slot in? Should Pant reclaim the keeping duties, Jurel’s chances hinge entirely on his batting firepower. But India would then face the risk of sacrificing a bowler, which isn’t ideal in English conditions where quick bowlers thrive. Unless India drops a specialist, batter, or goes with a risky 5-bowler strategy without Shardul, Jurel’s inclusion could upset the delicate balance of the XI.
In a crunch game, can India afford to field a side that might fall one bowler short if things get rough on Day 4 or 5? That’s the real dilemma.
The Injury Cloud & Team Dynamics
Adding to the complexity, India’s pace unit isn’t in the pink of health. Both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh remain unavailable due to injuries, further narrowing the pool of seamers. That makes Shardul’s case even stronger—he not only complements the existing attack but brings insurance in case of further niggles.
Team dynamics also play a part. A bowling-heavy Manchester track, the absence of Nitish’s fourth seamer role, and the unavailability of backup pacers tilt the scales towards Thakur. He’s the plug India needs to fill multiple holes, not just the gap Reddy’s injury leaves behind.
When it comes down to it, India can’t gamble with their bowling depth in a must-win match, especially in England. What would you prioritize—batting depth with Jurel or a balanced attack with Shardul?
For more, visit JeetBuzz News to read our quality Cricket Blog updates. Explore if you want to reminisce and enjoy all of your favourite cricket players and nostalgic match moments. To ensure that you never miss out, keep updated and join in the fun!
