Harbhajan Singh backs Shardul Thakur ahead of Nitish Kumar Reddy for 1st ENG vs IND Test

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed Shardul Thakur ahead of Nitish Kumar Reddy for the opening Test against England. While Nitish played all the five Test matches on the Australian tour, Thakur has made a comeback to the Test squad after missing out in the Border-Gavaskar series.

The Turbanator reckons it would be important to see who between the two all-rounders is bowling well. While Reddy is a batting all-rounder, Thakur is a bowling all-rounder and it would be interesting to note who gets the backing from the team’s think tank.

Reddy had also scored a fine hundred against Australia and had impressed one and all with his temperament. On the other hand, Thakur scored a fine century in the intra squad match in England.

Talking to PTI, Harbhajan Singh said, “It will be important to see who is bowling better. I think India need a bowler who can bat a bit. India have got a batting line-up till 7. And at No. 8, you need to see who can bowl and get those wickets for you and bat a bit. Not someone who bats and bowls a little bit. I think that’s where Shardul will have an edge on Nitish Reddy, in my view.”

“I think Nitish is a proper, proper batsman who can definitely bowl. But we have not seen him bowling in the IPL much. They will have to find out. You know, Gautam is there. He is a very capable coach. And I am sure he will make the right decision by picking the right one. You know, who is bowling better in those conditions and who could be more useful for the team.”

The former off-spinner wants India to back Kuldeep Yadav in the final XI. Harbhajan added that veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja should also be part of the squad.

“India should look to play Kuldeep Yadav. Of course, Jadeja will bowl with him. So, two spinners with three seamers would be the kind of perfect match for this game. Let’s see if conditions will change or favor the spinners. But even if it doesn’t, I think these are two capable bowlers who can take wickets on any wicket,” said Harbhajan.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.