Shardul Thakur’s Test Career Over- Reports

According to reports, Shardul Thakur is not a part of India's Test cricket strategy since the national selectors and the BCCI are planning to create a fresh lineup for the entire ICC World Test Championship cycle, beginning with the forthcoming England visit, which might be without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Shardul Thakur will not be called up to the Test team for the forthcoming England tour because Indian selectors have moved on from the Mumbai star, according to the Times of India. In December 2023, he played his final Test match for India in Centurion against South Africa.

Shardul Thakur's Test career ends

The national selectors are reportedly prepared to assemble a team of fresh talent for the future, meaning Shardul Thakur will not have another opportunity to don the whites for India. As an all-around seam bowler, Nitish Kumar Reddy is now the front-runner to be developed for the format.

Unlikely to play a Test for India again.

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) May 10, 2025

Since making his debut in October 2014 against the West Indies in Hyderabad, Shardul Thakur has played in 11 Test matches for India. In 19 innings, the fast-bowling all-rounder has claimed 31 wickets at an economy rate of 3.64 and an average of 28.38, including one four-wicket and one five-wicket haul.

Nitish Kumar Reddy to be picked over an extra spinner in England

In the forthcoming five-match Test series, which begins on June 20, India may still benefit from the batting depth of England's spin all-rounders even if the squad won't have access to spin-friendly surfaces.

Axar Patel and Washington Sundar may be selected due to their developing hitting, but Ravindra Jadeja's all-around abilities make him a sure pick.

With the bat, Axar Patel has demonstrated steady growth. At the moment, Nitish Kumar Reddy is the sole candidate for the seam-bowling all-rounder position. Reddy is expected to be selected next week and will likely keep his spot in the Test team for the England tour.

Replacements for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are being readied by the BCCI, and Gautam Gambhir

The Indian cricket team is embarking on a new era with the retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test matches and the expected arrival of Virat Kohli. This adds pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar to reassemble the team with the upcoming WTC cycle in mind.

Shubman Gill appears to be the front-runner in the batting order for the next England tour, but many other positions still need to be filled if India is to restore its supremacy in Test cricket. Rohit Sharma will be replaced as opener by Sai Sudharsan.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, and Shreyas Iyer may be considered if Kohli declares his retirement. BCCI is still waiting for Kohli’s final decision, as they requested him to reconsider his decision to call time on his Test career.

Also Read: 5 Indian Players Whose Careers Flourished Under Virat Kohli’s Captaincy