India’s much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia is set to begin on November 22, 2024. However, a surprising selection decision has sparked discussions among fans and experts alike— Shardul Thakur, a player known for his all-round abilities and crucial performances, has been omitted from the Indian squad for the series. With Nitish Kumar Reddy selected in his place, the decision has raised questions about Thakur’s future in Test cricket and the direction of India’s pace-bowling strategy in overseas conditions.


Shardul Thakur’s Record and Impact
Since his debut, Shardul Thakur has established himself as a versatile player, known for his potent swing bowling and his ability to score quick runs in the lower order. Thakur played a critical role during India’s previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in 2021. His all-round performance at the Gabba, where he scored 67 runs in one innings and took seven wickets across both innings, contributed significantly to India’s historic win.
Shardul Thakur’s Career Stats:
Format | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Runs Scored |
---|---|---|---|
Tests | 11 | 31 | 331 |
ODIs | 47 | 65 | 329 |
T20Is | 25 | 33 | – |
Despite his valuable contributions, Thakur’s exclusion from the 2024-25 squad raises questions about his standing within the team’s future plans, especially considering his recent performances in limited-overs cricket as well.

India’s Squad for the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The BCCI selection committee recently announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming series, with Rohit Sharma as captain and Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain. Key players like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant are retained, while fresh faces such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Sarfaraz Khan have also been included. The team composition indicates a focus on youth and long-term planning, especially in the fast-bowling department.
2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Indian Squad:
Role | Players |
---|---|
Batters | Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul |
All-Rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy |
Wicketkeepers | Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel |
Fast Bowlers | Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akashdeep, Harshit Rana |
Spin Bowlers | R Ashwin, Washington Sundar |
Why Was Shardul Thakur Dropped?
The decision to exclude Shardul Thakur may be attributed to a combination of factors including his recent performances, team balance, and competition from emerging talent. Here’s a closer look at the possible reasons:
- Inconsistent Performance: Despite his impactful spells, Thakur’s bowling lacks consistency. In key matches, his economy and strike rate have fluctuated, especially in overseas conditions.
- Injury Concerns: Like many fast bowlers, Thakur has had recurring injury issues, which may have impacted the selectors’ confidence in his ability to endure a five-Test series.
- Youth Development: India’s selectors seem to be investing in younger players who can offer similar balance. Nitish Kumar Reddy, for example, is a promising pace-bowling all-rounder with a solid domestic track record and adds fresh energy to the squad.
Shardul’s Role in Past India-Australia Encounters
In the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shardul Thakur proved invaluable, both with the ball and bat. His partnership with Washington Sundar helped India set a competitive target in the final Test at the Gabba, which India won by three wickets to clinch the series. These performances cemented his place as an all-rounder who could provide crucial breakthroughs in Test matches.
However, as of now, the Indian selectors appear to be moving toward a strategy of deploying a younger, less experienced pace attack alongside veterans like Bumrah and Siraj. The decision also reflects India’s evolving approach to fast-bowling depth, as well as the team’s interest in introducing fresh talent on the big stage.
Is Nitish Kumar Reddy the Right Replacement?
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been a standout performer in India’s domestic circuit. His all-round abilities offer a similar balance to what Thakur provided, although he’s relatively inexperienced at the international level. With just 21 first-class matches under his belt, Reddy has taken 55 wickets at an average of 26.01 and is seen as a promising bowler for the future.
Yet, the move comes with its own risks. Reddy has limited experience in red-ball cricket outside India, and the pressures of an Australian Test series could be challenging for a young player still developing his skills. Reddy’s inclusion suggests that the selectors see him as a potential long-term asset, rather than a short-term solution, and it will be interesting to see how he performs under the scrutiny of high-stakes cricket.
The Future of Shardul Thakur in Test Cricket
With his exclusion from this year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad, there are speculations that Shardul Thakur’s Test career might be nearing its end. At 33, Thakur is competing with a younger pool of pace-bowling all-rounders, including Hardik Pandya and now Nitish Kumar Reddy, who offer similar skill sets and greater longevity.
Moreover, the fact that Thakur wasn’t included in the India A squad for the upcoming unofficial Tests against Australia ‘A’ further suggests that he may no longer be a part of India’s long-term Test plans. If this trend continues, Thakur might focus on limited-overs formats, where his skills can still make an impact for India.
Fans React to Shardul Thakur’s Exclusion
The decision to exclude Thakur has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some fans are disappointed, citing his past performances against Australia as proof of his value, others see it as a necessary move toward building a younger squad. The BCCI selection committee, however, seems to be aligning with a strategy aimed at sustainability and future planning.
Fans are hopeful that if Thakur maintains his form in domestic matches and limited-overs internationals, he could make a comeback. But as of now, his omission indicates that India’s management may be looking at options beyond Thakur.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for India’s Pace Attack?
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will be a critical test for India’s bowling unit. With only Bumrah and Siraj as experienced pace bowlers in the squad, a great deal of responsibility will fall on them to lead the attack. India’s selection strategy suggests an emphasis on younger talents who can be groomed for future overseas tours.
Key Takeaways:
- Impact of Thakur’s Absence: India will miss Thakur’s all-round capabilities, particularly his lower-order batting and swing bowling.
- Opportunity for Nitish Kumar Reddy: Reddy has an opportunity to prove himself as a valuable asset, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the challenges of Test cricket in Australia.
- India’s Bowling Strategy: With limited experience in the pace unit, Bumrah’s fitness and form will be crucial, and India will need to rely on collective discipline in the bowling attack.
The 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series promises to be a fascinating contest, not only for its competitive cricket but also for how India’s new-look squad, devoid of Shardul Thakur, performs in one of the toughest arenas in world cricket.