Rahane Urges Gill to Unleash Thakur's Full Potential in Second Test Against England

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has advised captain Shubman Gill to strategically utilize all-rounder Shardul Thakur more effectively in the upcoming second Test match against England. This counsel comes in the wake of India's five-wicket defeat in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. Thakur's performance in the match was subpar, as he managed only five runs across both innings and secured just two wickets in the 16 overs he bowled.

Rahane, through his YouTube channel, underscored the importance of an all-rounder in the team composition, particularly highlighting Thakur's underutilization during the recent Test.

"I feel an all-rounder's role is very important. Shardul Thakur has been an experienced player and has done well in Test cricket overseas. I want to see more overs from Shardul. If the Indian team can use Shardul Thakur in a better way, that will be really great. Whatever I have seen with him, he can swing the ball both ways and is a wicket-taker. If Shardul can bowl the first change or even given the new ball he can swing it both ways," Rahane commented.

Rahane proposed specific adjustments to the bowling strategy to maximize Thakur's impact on the field.

"With the Dukes ball, it generally starts to behave after 10 or 12 overs. If Shardul can start the bowling with Bumrah and Siraj can come in as one change, that will be great. I would like to see Shardul bowling more overs. Give him that freedom, he will get you more wickets," he added.

Rahane also lauded Jasprit Bumrah's performance while pointing out the necessity for other bowlers to provide better support. "Bumrah's five wicket-haul in the first innings was amazing. Apart from his five wickets what I liked about Bumrah was his intent. The way he was running in his run-up. His intensity throughout his bowling was amazing. The lines and lengths that he bowled. He was aggressive throughout in his bowling approach," Rahane noted.

"What I would like to see is support from the other end. Bumrah is obviously bowling his attacking lengths but if he can support from Siraj and Prasidh, that will be great for him. You don't want Bumrah to go under pressure and start bowling too many overs and the pressure comes on the team. I want to see Siraj taking that responsibility and also Prasidh if he plays that second Test match," he concluded.