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‘There was a calculation error’: Shardul Thakur takes subtle dig at Shubman Gill, Gautam Gambhir over England tour role
The Indian all-rounder says he was underutilised and bowled in the wrong phases during the England Test series, hinting that better decisions could have changed results.
Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has opened up about his frustrations over his limited role during India’s Test tour of England last year, suggesting that both captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir could have managed him better.
Thakur, who featured in just two Tests during the five-match series that ended in a 2-2 draw, said he felt his contributions were not fully recognised and his bowling was not used in the right moments.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the 34-year-old didn’t hold back while reflecting on the tour.
“There was some calculation error, that I would say,” Thakur remarked, pointing to what he believes were tactical mistakes in the way he was deployed.
The all-rounder revealed that he bowled only 27 overs across the two Tests, a number he believes did not justify his capabilities — especially after an impressive domestic season in 2024-25.
Thakur said his strong performances before the England tour should have earned him more opportunities.
“After the kind of domestic season I had, I think I could have played a few more games and literally made a difference,” he said.
While he admitted making a batting mistake in the Leeds Test, where India eventually lost by five wickets, Thakur highlighted his fighting 41-run knock off 88 balls in the fourth Test at Old Trafford Cricket Ground as proof of his value.
According to him, those runs came under difficult conditions when the ball was swinging and bouncing unpredictably.
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“Had I not played that innings when the second new ball arrived, the result could have been different,” Thakur said, underlining his contribution in helping India save the match.
One of his biggest frustrations came from the Leeds Test, where he struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, briefly swinging momentum back in India’s favour.
But just as he found rhythm, he was taken out of the attack.
“That’s where I could have bowled a longer spell, maybe got another wicket and we could have won that game,” he said.
Despite his criticism, Thakur clarified that he never directly discussed these concerns with Gill or Gambhir, explaining that such conversations rarely happen during a live match because players remain focused on executing their assigned roles.
Thakur has not played for India since that England series, but his latest comments may reignite discussions over team selection and tactical decisions — especially as India continues to build under a new leadership setup.
His remarks also raise an uncomfortable question: did India leave a match-winner underused when they needed him the most?
