Shardul Thakur Blasts 122 Off 68 Balls: Selection Headache for India Ahead of Leeds Test

India’s pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur delivered a strong reminder of his match-winning capabilities ahead of the highly anticipated five-Test series against England to begin June 20 at Leeds. In a high-pressure environment at Beckenham, Shardul Thakur blasts 122 off 68 balls, decimates the bowling attack, putting in a proper claim for his name in the playing XI.

Well, the intra-squad match was not broadcast live, nor did it have an official scorecard; however, sources report that Thakur was not just brilliant with the bat but also shone with the ball, picking four wickets in an all-round show against a fairly strong Indian bowling unit headed by speedsters Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh.

Shardul Thakur blasts 122 off 68 balls, showcasing his prowess to tip the scales in any given match to fans and selectors alike. His innings featured harsh counterattacks deemed necessary in the English conditions, with perhaps even more important being the fact that this innings directly preceded another explosive century from Sarfaraz Khan, who hammered 101 off 76 balls. Being one of the matches that took place in front of top BCCI decision-makers, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head of the Centre of Excellence VVS Laxman, it was a certain partnership.

Shardul’s Road Back into the Indian Test Squad

The last Test match played by Shardul Thakur was against South Africa during the 2023 Boxing Day Test match at Cape Town. He has been out of the Test format since then, but his performance in domestic cricket has kept him in contention. He was part of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad for 2024-25 and displayed his all-round credentials with the second-highest number of runs and also claimed 35 wickets in 9 matches.

Yet, the domestic magic was followed by a lack of rhythm for Thakur in the two unofficial Tests for India A against England Lions earlier this year. This show, however, against some top-class bowling will suit him to put forward again in serious consideration. 

Shardul Thakur blasts 122 off 68 balls, not only getting him back into contention but also suggesting that he is prepared to face the rigors of international cricket. With just a few days left before the first Test, he should also be considered for selection in the squad.

Intra-Squad Match Halted Early, But Impact Felt

The intra-squad game was originally held until June 16, but on the third day, the team management had a midday call-off. The BCCI statement read thus: “Team India’s intra-squad game has ended. A complete day off on 16th June. On 17th June, the team will leave for Leeds.”

Even in a truncated form, one can say it aimed to throw up a test or two for the players in a competitive match simulation just ahead of an arduous Test series. For Shardul, it turned out to be more than just a practice match but an opportunity that he grabbed. 

Selection Battle: Thakur vs Nitish Kumar Reddy

With the first Test looming, one of the more interesting discussions in Indian cricketing circles is over who gets the preference between Shardul Thakur versus Nitish Kumar Reddy, an up-and-coming all-rounder. Reddy had an excellent season during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, with five Test matches under his belt and a commanding century to his name in Melbourne. 

Shardul Thakur blasts 122 off 68 balls, and he may win the battle for gold. His experience in English conditions and the ability to give breakthroughs at critical moments might be a deciding factor. While Reddy’s form cannot be ignored, selectors may still back Thakur’s experience for the first Test.

Cricket Match Predictions and Fan Expectations

With the team’s departure to Leeds, cricket fans and analysts would have started getting busy with cricket match predictions. Thakur’s blazing century has added more to those predictions. Will there be four pacers for India? Will Thakur find favor over an extra batter or spinner? These questions are doing the rounds before the series.

Beyond the Score: Thakur’s Message to Team India

More than just runs and wickets, Shardul Thakur blasts 122 off 68 balls as a message of self-belief and readiness. He reminds that he was in pressure moments, something that could play in favor of Team India going against the rough English summer.

He is an asset, giving strength in both departments. If selected on conditional terms, Thakur could be a match-winner, not with the swing and seam alone but with quick-fire runs shifting momentum.

His performance has given a huge boost to the fans to surf through online forums and sites like Winexch, which is useful for them in following such cricket news to continue discussion with others. Although unofficial, intra-squad performances play a huge role in preparing for the match strategy and shaping squad dynamics.

As India gears up for what is bound to be a nail-biting Test series, Shardul Thakur’s perfectly timed brilliance could well set the stage for a magnificent resurgence.

FAQs

Why is the prior century of Shardul Thakur vital ahead of the England Test series?
Because it increases his chances of selection by establishing, just before the Test series, his match-winning skills against India’s first-class bowlers.

Who else made his century in the intra-squad match?
Sarfaraz Khan also made a brisk 101 off just 76 balls.

Was the intra-squad match completed?
The team management called it off midway through Day Three.

What makes Shardul Thakur a vital cog in the wheel of Test cricket?
It is his all-round skills- batting and bowling-who fit well in pace-friendly conditions.

How did his performance in any manner affect the prediction of the match?
His excellent performance raised hopes for his inclusion and diverted fan predictions towards India in the Leeds Test.