Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has raised serious concerns about India’s team selection during the ongoing IND vs ENG 2025 Test series. His comments focused particularly on the inclusion of all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Sidhu believes that relying on “bits-and-pieces cricketers” could hurt India’s chances in the longer format of the game.
Sidhu made these remarks while analyzing India’s performance in the current series. He stated that Test cricket demands specialists, not utility players. According to him, players who are not experts in either batting or bowling cannot win matches at the highest level.
“Bits-and-pieces cricketers don’t win you Test matches,” said Sidhu during a recent TV appearance. His comments have sparked debate among fans and cricket experts. Many are now questioning if India’s team balance is suitable for the five-day format.
Shardul Thakur, often seen as a practical all-rounder, has been part of India’s Test squad for several years. He has played crucial innings in the past and taken key wickets. However, his recent performances have not met expectations. Critics argue that his inclusion weakens both the batting and bowling departments.
Sidhu explained that Test cricket is a game of patience and consistency. He stressed the need for five pure bowlers and six solid batters. He feels that picking someone like Shardul, who is not a top performer in either role, can cost the team essential games.
The former cricketer also noted that conditions in England require skillful bowlers and technically sound batsmen. Sidhu believes India should stick to specialists, especially when playing away from home. His advice is based on the idea that only players with strong individual skills can handle pressure in tests.
As the IND vs. ENG 2025 series continues, team selection will remain under the spotlight. Whether the Indian management will respond to Sidhu’s remarks is yet to be seen. But one thing is clear—fans and experts are watching closely. The debate over team composition is far from over.
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