With the highly anticipated second Test at Leeds fast approaching, Team India has officially begun preparations, but the management faces a key selection conundrum — whether to include Nitish Kumar Reddy or Shardul Thakur in the playing XI.
Following a hard-fought opening Test, India’s think-tank, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and new skipper Shubman Gill, convened at Headingley on Wednesday to chart out plans and address the tactical puzzle.
At the heart of the discussion is whether to field Nitish, the promising allrounder who impressed in the warm-up games with his ability to contribute in both departments, or to lean on the experience and proven knack for key breakthroughs that Shardul Thakur brings to the table — particularly in overseas conditions.
Balancing Act
The decision hinges on striking the right balance between batting depth and bowling variety.
“It’s a tough call,” a team source said. “Nitish has shown great form and provides a solid batting option, but Shardul offers that ability to swing the old Dukes ball and take crucial wickets — which can be vital in English conditions.”
India’s bowling workload is also under consideration, with the team playing five back-to-back Tests in this long England tour. Rotating the pace attack and managing fitness will be critical, further complicating selection decisions.
Building Momentum
The team had a light training session to shake off the fatigue from the first Test and will gradually ramp up intensity over the next two days. Gill and Gambhir spent extended time with the bowlers and middle-order batters, signalling a potential rethink of strategies heading into the Leeds Test.
Meanwhile, senior players like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah were seen having focused discussions with the coaching staff — underlining the importance of this match in setting the tone for the remainder of the series.
As India looks to gain an upper hand against England, the selection of Nitish or Shardul could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the Leeds Test.
