“I Was Not Utilised Properly in England”: Shardul Thakur Opens Up on Limited Chances, Questions Team Management’s Decisions

New Delhi: Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has made a candid admission regarding his experience during India’s 2025 Test tour of England, revealing that he felt underutilised despite having a proven track record in the longest format of the game.

Speaking about his stint during the five-match Test series in England, Thakur expressed disappointment over the limited opportunities he received. The Mumbai cricketer featured in only two of the five Tests, bowling a total of 27 overs, claiming two wickets, and contributing 46 runs with the bat.

Reflecting on the tour, Thakur stated that he was not “utilised properly” and believed he could have contributed more had he been given a longer run in the playing XI. His comments have reignited discussions about team selection and the role of all-rounders in overseas conditions.

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The experienced all-rounder acknowledged that he did not perform perfectly in every outing and admitted making mistakes with the bat during the series. However, he maintained that one or two setbacks should not have overshadowed his overall contributions to Indian cricket.

“I was not utilised properly in England,” Thakur said while reflecting on the tour, suggesting that his previous performances warranted greater backing from the team management.

Over the years, Thakur has built a reputation as a player capable of making crucial breakthroughs with the ball and scoring valuable runs lower down the order. His memorable performances in overseas conditions, particularly in England and Australia, have often earned him the tag of a dependable crisis performer.

Many cricket observers have pointed out that Thakur’s ability to balance both departments gives India an additional tactical option, especially in challenging overseas conditions where depth in batting and versatility in bowling are highly valued.

The 2025 England tour proved to be a difficult phase for the all-rounder. Despite being part of the squad, he struggled to secure a consistent place in the playing XI and was unable to establish rhythm due to the lack of game time. Such interruptions, experts argue, can make it difficult for any player to showcase his full potential.

Thakur’s remarks also highlight the intense competition within the Indian Test setup, where selection decisions are often influenced by form, conditions, and team combinations. However, his statement suggests that he expected more confidence from the management after his previous contributions for the national side.

As India continues to build its Test squad for future overseas assignments, Thakur’s comments are likely to spark debate among fans and analysts regarding player management, squad rotation, and the importance of backing experienced performers.

For now, the all-rounder remains focused on earning his place back consistently, but his latest revelation has certainly added a fresh talking point to discussions surrounding India’s recent Test campaigns.