With Shardul Thakur’s return to the Check squad for the England tour, the competitors for the pace-bowling all-rounder’s spot within the India XI has intensified, and former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the Mumbaikar to pip Nitish Kumar Reddy for the primary match, beginning on Friday at Leeds.
Each Thakur and Nitish had been a part of each preparatory matches with India A in opposition to England Lions, choosing two wickets every. Thakur additionally went onto make an announcement with the bat, reportedly smashing 122 throughout the India vs India A intra-squad sport final week. Harbhajan believes that Shardul is a greater bowling choice than Nitish and ought to be the prime contender to take the all-rounder’s place within the collection.
“It will likely be vital to see who’s bowling higher. I believe India want a bowler who can bat a bit. India have gotten a batting line-up until 7. And at No. 8, it is advisable to see who can bowl and get these wickets for you and bat a bit. Not somebody who bats and bowls a bit of bit. I believe that’s the place Shardul can have an edge on Nitish Reddy,” Harbhajan advised PTI.
Having performed all 5 Exams throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the place he carved his maiden Check hundred, Nitish bowled 42 overs within the collection, choosing up 5 wickets. The 22-year-old has not bowled for a majority of the IPL season after a return from damage, whereas Thakur’s comeback to the Check fold was solid after a fruitful home season with Mumbai.
“I believe Nitish is a correct, correct batsman who can undoubtedly bowl. However we’ve not seen him bowling within the IPL a lot. They should discover out. You realize, Gautam is there. He’s a really succesful coach. And I’m positive he’ll make the best choice by selecting the correct one. You realize, who’s bowling higher in these situations and who may very well be extra helpful for the workforce.”
Thakur has performed 4 Exams in England on the earlier tour, snapping 10 wickets whereas additionally recording three fifties in seven innings.