Shardul Thakur Century Halts Intra Squad Match
India’s preparations for the England Test series witnessed unexpected drama and a strong selection twist as Shardul Thakur stole the spotlight in the intra-squad game in Beckenham. The match, meant to help selectors finalize combinations ahead of the Headingley Test, ended prematurely on Day 3 after several standout performances. Here’s a deep dive into the match developments.
1. Shardul Thakur’s Unbeaten Century Turns Heads
One of the biggest takeaways from the intra-squad clash was Shardul Thakur’s unbeaten 122-run knock. Representing India A, Shardul came out with intent and played an attacking innings that stunned the main squad’s bowling unit. What made the knock even more impactful was the quality of opposition—Shardul took on Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, all of whom are expected to be part of the first Test at Headingley.
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2. Shardul’s All-Round Impact
Shardul didn’t just shine with the bat. Earlier in the match, he also bowled superbly for India A, troubling established Test batters like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Karun Nair. His ability to swing the ball and create chances against top-order players reiterated his status as a game-changer. The selectors and team management now face a difficult choice between Shardul and the recently established Nitish Kumar Reddy.
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3. Nitish Kumar Reddy vs Shardul Thakur: A Selection Dilemma
While Nitish Kumar Reddy had a memorable debut series in Australia earlier this year—including a gritty century at the MCG—his bowling performances were underwhelming. Shardul’s brilliance in the intra-squad match reopens the debate. The latter has the reputation of being a “golden arm”—someone who picks up crucial wickets when least expected. Given England’s conditions and the need for a seam-bowling all-rounder, this decision could shape the series outcome.
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4. Sarfaraz Khan’s Explosive Ton Ignored Again?
Another talking point from the match was Sarfaraz Khan’s whirlwind 101 off just 76 deliveries. Laced with 15 fours and two sixes, Sarfaraz’s knock was vintage aggressive Test cricket. However, despite his fireworks, Sarfaraz remains outside the main squad, raising eyebrows across the cricket fraternity. His omission continues to be one of the more debated selections in recent Indian cricket.
5. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill Shine for Main Team
While Shardul and Sarfaraz dominated headlines, India’s frontline batters also showed promising form. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill notched up solid half-centuries in the first innings, contributing to India’s total of 469. Rahul looked composed and fluent, while Gill displayed his growing maturity in red-ball cricket. Both batters will be crucial at the top against the Duke ball in English conditions.
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6. Bumrah, Siraj Struggle to Make an Impact
In a somewhat worrying sign, spearhead Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless in the intra-squad fixture. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna did manage two wickets apiece, but lacked sustained penetration. With the first Test around the corner, the Indian pace unit will need to quickly shift gears to challenge England’s in-form batting lineup.
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7. Match Ends Prematurely on Day 3
Originally scheduled to last until Monday, June 16, the intra-squad match was called off halfway through Day 3 by the team management. After eight sessions of competitive cricket, the management reportedly felt they had seen enough to make key decisions. The early conclusion also allows players extra rest and time to travel to Headingley, where the real test awaits.
8. Shardul’s Domestic Form Justifies National Recall
Shardul’s century wasn’t a one-off. He has been in sublime form throughout the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, emerging as Mumbai’s best all-rounder. His consistency with both bat and ball earned him a recall to the national squad after his last Test appearance in December 2023 in Centurion. With 11 Tests under his belt (331 runs and 31 wickets), he brings experience and a knack for delivering under pressure.
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9. India’s First Test Squad Faces Crucial Decisions
With Shardul firing on all cylinders and Sarfaraz making a case once again, India’s selectors have more questions than answers. Does Shardul slot in ahead of Nitish Reddy? Should Sarfaraz finally get his much-awaited Test cap? These decisions could define the direction of the five-match series in England.
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10. Next Stop: Headingley, Leeds
With the intra-squad fixture behind them, the Indian contingent will now head to Headingley on Tuesday, June 17. The opening Test begins on June 20, and all eyes will be on the final XI chosen by the team management. Conditions in Leeds are expected to assist seamers, making the choice of all-rounders and pacers even more crucial.
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Conclusion
The intra-squad match may have ended early, but it delivered several key insights for India’s Test journey in England. Shardul Thakur’s heroics, Sarfaraz Khan’s blazing ton, and KL Rahul’s form have all added layers to the selection puzzle. With tough decisions looming and form peaking at the right time, Team India enters the England series with momentum and healthy competition.
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