Shardul Breaks His Silence
Shardul Thakur has finally spoken out about his frustrations during India's tour of England last year. The all-rounder, who hasn't played for India since that series, says he "wasn't utilised properly" during the tour.
"I don't think I was utilised properly in England. I have more to offer than what I was given the chance to show."
The England Tour Frustration
Shardul was part of India's squad for the England tour but felt he wasn't given enough opportunities to contribute. As a bowling all-rounder who can bat in the lower order, he expected more chances to bowl his full quota and contribute with the bat.
Shardul's Career Stats:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 11 | 29 | 298 |
| ODI | 35 | 45 | 319 |
| T20I | 25 | 30 | 120 |
The Comeback Trail
Despite the frustration, Shardul hasn't given up on his India dreams. He continues to perform in domestic cricket and IPL, hoping to earn a recall.
What Shardul Brings:
- Bowling: Can bowl at 135-140 km/h with swing and variations
- Batting: Can contribute 20-30 quick runs in the lower order
- Fielding: Athletic fielder in the outfield
- Experience: Has played in World Cups and overseas tours
The Competition
The problem for Shardul is the competition. India have several bowling all-rounders:
- Hardik Pandya — The first-choice when fit
- Nitish Reddy — The rising star
- Washington Sundar — Spin all-rounder option
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shardul Thakur dropped from India?
Shardul was not formally dropped but wasn't selected after the England tour. He says he wasn't utilised properly during that series.
Can Shardul Thakur make a comeback?
Yes, if he performs well in domestic cricket and IPL, he can earn a recall. He's only 32 and has plenty of cricket left.
What is Shardul Thakur's best format?
Shardul is most effective in ODIs and T20Is where his bowling variations and lower-order batting are valuable.
Sources: Cricbuzz interview, BCCI squad announcements
Published: July 2, 2026 | Author: CricAI Editorial | Category: Player News