Thu. Jul 10th, 2025

India vs England: Shardul's Big Knock & 4 Wickets – A Statement Ahead of the Test Series

In a nail-biting intra-squad match before the much-anticipated India versus England Test series, Shardul Thakur reminded selectors and fans alike of why he continues to be a major player in India’s Test team. The seam-bowling all-rounder produced a superb all-round performance with an unbeaten 122 from 68 balls and a wicket haul of 4 at a crucial time, possibly altering picking decisions for India’s first Test against England at Leeds starting on June 20.

Match Stats – India A vs India Intra-Squad Game

Shardul Thakur (India A): 122* off 68 balls, 4 wickets
Sarfaraz Khan (India A): 101 off 76 balls (15 fours, 2 sixes)
Bowling attack faced: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh
Match venue: Beckenham, UK
Match duration: 2.5 days (scheduled for 3 days)
Date: Match ended on June 16, team departs for Leeds on June 17

A Knock to Remember

In the intra-squad match, Thakur looked unstoppable—representing India A against the rest of India in the match played yesterday (June 16), Thakur’s performance was exceptional. He achieved his unbeaten 122 runs without facing anyone other than India’s elite pacers — that is, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh. No one else played like that against these bowlers on this pitch.

Thakur hit two sixes and plenty of boundaries to reach this total, while earlier Sarfaraz Khan scored an equally impressive 101 runs from 76 balls, and their performances in the middle order illustrate select and fan optimism about an impressive second string of players.

Dominating the Bowlers

What truly stood out was not only Thakur’s ability to accelerate but also his bravado that allowed him to take on the ace Indian seamers. It was the positive strokeplay, timing and effortlessness that Thakur exhibited tonight, which made a difference. His innings came at a time when there was uncertainty over the depth of India’s lower-middle-order — an area Thakur is now being touted to fill.

A lot of people know Shardul for his ability to break partnerships with the ball, but his explosive batting has often been underrated. But performances such as the one mentioned, the seam-bowling all-rounder is starting to stake his claim as a serious match-winner with the bat.

Back Among Wickets

Shardul didn’t only impress with the bat. He took 4 wickets, and made life difficult for the Indian batters too. In a match that was designed to give all players opportunities to get into some sort of rhythm, Shardul’s two-fold impact was certainly noticeable. Shardul’s bowling, known for its clever little changes of pace and variations not only caused problems for the Indian batters, but it was evident that it even affected the best ones.

This performance by Thakur further justifies his claim to a place in the first XI. Indian management relies on Thakur’s ability to produce when it gets tough, which is reaffirmed by his recent performance.

Recent Form and Comeback Trail

Shardul’s last outing for India was during the 2023 Boxing Day Test last year against South Africa, at Newlands in Cape Town. Thereafter, he stayed at the fringes of the group with a tariff of other fast-bowling all-rounders and some fitness issues.

However, Shardul made an emphatic statement via his performances in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, ending as one of Mumbai’s second-highest run-scorers and taking 35 wickets in 9 matches. Mumbai — the most successful team in the competition’s history — found in Shardul a reliable option in the leader with both bat and ball.

His Ranji heroics demonstrated endurance, consistency, and leadership which could be fundamental in the long and demanding five-match Test series against England.

The Selection Debate: Shardul vs Nitish Kumar Reddy

While Shardul’s form is peaking at the right time, he also does not mean he has a spot locked down. Perhaps the largest point of discussion in the lead up to the series would be the fight for the all-rounder spot, between Shardul and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Nitish has been the star of the series in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy where he played in all five Tests, scoring a century in Melbourne. His youth and energy also bring something new into the side. However, Thakur’s experience and proven ability to perform under pressure — especially in overseas conditions — could tip the scales in his favor.

Intra-Squad Match Highlights

Although there would not have been a live telecast or official scorecards, reports indicate the intra-squad match could be described as highly intense and competitive. Played at Beckenham, the match was scheduled to run until June 16 but was shortened, and was called off with half of Day Three still to be played.

In a statement from the BCCI, it said “Team India’s intra-squad game has ended. They have a complete day off on 16th June. The team will leave for Leeds on 17th June.”

The decision to end the game may have prevented fans from watching the match in full, however, it would have been enough for the selectors and coaching staff to ascertain player fitness and form levels.

A Knock in Front of Selectors

More notably, both Thakur and Sarfaraz made centuries while the chief selector Ajit Agarkar and VVS Laxman, the head of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, was present. With the first Test match just days away, both of these impactful innings could not have come at a better time in front of the right people with authority, and able to offer selection for the England series.

Selecting a team places the selectors in a fortunate position. There is the raw pace and youthfulness of Reddy, compared to the experience and match-winning performances of Shardul Thakur. With swing the order of the day in English conditions, having a seam-bowling all-rounder who can hit the ball hard at the back end of the innings, could be an x-factor that India requires.

What This Means for India

There is always no better barometer for the Indian team’s adaptability and skill than the tour of England. Expectation will be around swinging conditions with Duke balls, and up against an aggressive English opening batsman meaning the Indian bowlers will need to be right on their game. That is where someone like Thakur, who can take early wickets and score valuable runs, becomes even more valuable.

As well as adding depth in both departments, Thakur also provides options for more spinners or more specialist batsmen. That gives Rohit Sharma and Head Coach Rahul Dravid certain flexibility tactically, which is priceless over a long series.

Shardul’s X-Factor

Few Indian cricketers have the reputation that Shardul has built for turning matches upside down. From his exploits in South Africa with seven wickets to precious runs at Lord’s and The Oval in 2021, Shardul has at times been India’s silent hero.

Before Beckenham, his batting and the fact he has taken four wickets only helps this legacy. Shardul produces when the pressure is at its highest and is something selectors cannot forget when putting their squad together.

Final Thoughts

Selection debates are intensifying as India approaches rather savage five-match Test series in England. But one thing that was obvious from the intra-squad match: Shardul Thakur is ready.

Thakur scored an impressive unbeaten 122 off 68 balls and recorded four wickets; he did not just make a statement; he renewed the hope in his all-around ability. Regardless of whether or not he comes into the XI at Leeds, he will certainly be a thorn in the side of every all-rounder in the squad.

As we build towards the India vs England 2025 Test series, keep an eye on Thakur. The man who always seems to provide a match-defining moment may very well be India’s ace in the English conditions.