Mon Jun 23 10:25:02 UTC 2025: ## Karthik and Chopra Criticize India’s Handling of Shardul Thakur in First Test
**Hyderabad, India -** Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has publicly questioned the team management’s decision to include Shardul Thakur in the playing XI for the first Test against England, citing a lack of trust in his bowling abilities. Thakur, selected as an all-rounder, failed to make an impact with either bat or ball, conceding 38 runs in 6 wicketless overs.
“If they are not going to trust his bowling, why are they playing him?” Karthik stated on Cricbuzz, highlighting the inconsistency of selecting Thakur without fully utilizing his skills. He further suggested that captain Shubman Gill may have felt other bowlers offered more pressure on the English batsmen.
Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra echoed Karthik’s sentiments, adding that despite being selected, Thakur wasn’t given adequate opportunities to prove himself. “All bowlers bowled 20-plus overs, but Shardul Thakur was in single digits,” Chopra said in his YouTube analysis, questioning whether the team lacks faith in Thakur’s abilities. The debate raises questions about the team’s selection strategy and its impact on player confidence.
First Piper 