India cricket team selectors are expected to name the squad for the five-match Test series against England some time in May. Majority of the players who starred in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy are expected to be retained in the side. However, there are high chances of a couple of players making their comeback to the Test team after a long gap. While Rahane and Pujara might not make the cut, surely Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur deserve a spot in the side.
Why Nair, Shardul need to be there for England series
It has been nearly 8 years since Karun played his last Test. After scoring a triple hundred in the 5th Test against England in 2016, the batter was dropped and since then has not managed to find his way back to the Test side. However, he has been exceptionally consistent over the last two years in red-ball cricket.
Nair finished as the 4th highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy 2024/25, with 863 runs to his name from 9 innings, averaging 53.15. In 2023/24, he managed to amass 690 runs, averaging 40.58. He finished as the highest run-scorer in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024, with 779 runs to his name. His fine form spilled into his first game in IPL 2025 against MI, where he made his debut for DC. However, since then, he has been unable to put up big scores.
But, the very fact that his form in red-ball cricket has been supremely great over the last two years warrants for a spot in the Indian Test side.
Similarly, Shardul Thakur is another contender who warrants for a spot in the Indian side. The all-rounder last played for India in whites in 2023 and since then has been overlooked. India didn’t even consider him for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite the fact that Thakur had tasted success in Australia earlier.
Like Nair, Shardul has also worked hard in the domestic circuit to make his case for a national comeback. Thakur had a phenomenal run in Ranji Trophy 2024/25, managing to score 505 runs and bag 35 wickets in that season. In fact, he has more runs to his name in that season than Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane – who is a pure batter.
He entered IPL 2025 as an injury replacement in LSG after going unsold at the mega auction. Yet, he managed to create an impact. Currently, he has 12 wickets to his name from 9 matches.
Historically, India have predominantly decided their Test squad simply based on the performances of players in IPL. This shouldn’t be the case when the selectors sit down to decide the squad for the upcoming England series. After all, both Nair and Shardul have already made their case with their consistent red-ball performances.
The five-match Test series against England will commence from June 20 onwards. That will be preceded by an India A tour. Nair has reportedly already been shortlisted for the tour. It remains to be seen if Shardul will be in the scheme of things as well.
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