Reddy or Thakur? India's Allrounder Dilemma Ahead of First Test vs England
Nagraj Gollapudi | June 10, 2025
With the first Test against England at Leeds on June 20 approaching, India face a crucial decision: who fills the allrounder's role — Nitish Kumar Reddy or Shardul Thakur? Both featured for India A in the warm-up series against the England Lions, but neither delivered a standout performance.
How Did They Perform?
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Nitish Kumar Reddy
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Batting: One half-century in four innings, dismissed bowled in both innings at Northampton.
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Bowling: Just two wickets in two games. Struggled to trouble the batters.
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Challenge: Struggled with English conditions — seam movement, bounce, and wobble seam.
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Shardul Thakur
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Batting: Top score of 34; did not contribute significantly with the bat.
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Bowling: Two wickets in two matches, but bowled more overs and created more pressure.
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Experience: Played four Tests in England, including the 2023 WTC final. Was a key factor in the 2021 England tour.
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The Case for Reddy
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Young, aggressive, and showed spark in Australia.
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Has the potential to be a long-term batting allrounder.
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Needs more adaptation to English conditions and improvement in defensive technique.
The Case for Thakur
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Proven performer in England.
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Can contribute valuable lower-order runs and serve as a fifth bowling option.
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More consistent with the ball, especially in helpful conditions.
The Bigger Picture
India have historically benefited from effective allrounders on overseas tours. In England, where conditions are demanding and workloads are high, the fifth bowler becomes crucial. Thakur, with his experience and ability to swing the ball, may edge ahead — unless India banks on youth and potential in Reddy.
Both have talent, but as of now, India may trust Thakur's proven record over Reddy's promise — unless Reddy can make a late case in the nets or a practice game.
