End of the road for Shardul Thakur in ICT? Gautam Gambhir drops a big hint

Addressing the media ahead of the dpearture of team India for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Gautam Gambhir touched upon many burning questions about the squad. With India facing backlash for enduring a blow on their home Test record against New Zealand, Gambhir came in support of the senior players. Moreover, the head coach expressed his and the team's hunger to claim a favorable result against the Kangaroos down under in the five-match red-ball series. During the press conference, Gambhir also provided a clarity on the reason of naming younsters like Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the squad.

"It is about moving forward": Gautam Gambhir opens up about selecting Nitish Kumar Reddy over Shardul Thakur for BGT

Fighting the ghosts of their 0-3 defeat against the Kiwis at home, India announced a 16-member squad for the Australia Tour. The squad notably named young pace options, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Both the players were included in the India squad for the New Zealand series as reserves. While Rana was released to play the Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Assam, the pacer was called back to the squad ahead of the final India vs New Zealand Test in Pune.

Harshit Rana made it into the squad on the back of the absence of Mohammed Shami who is still tending to his ankle injury. However, the addition of Nitish Kumar Reddy marks a significant transition in the group. Shardul Thakur, a key player behind India's historic Gabba breach during the last BGT edition in Australia, faced the axe as Reddy made the cut. Opening up on the decision, Gambhir praised Reddy, recognizing his potential to make a significant impact on the team if given the opportunity. While Gambhir did not name Thakur specifically, the head coach cited the possibility of moving forward from certain players within the squad.

"Nitish Reddy, we all know how incredibly talented he is. If given a chance, he will do well for the team. This is the best set of players we have selected to do the job for the country," Gambhir said. “It is also about moving forward and I feel that this is the best set of players that we have selected to do the job for the country," he added.

The selection of Reddy who is yet to earn his Test cap over the seasoned Shardul Thakur raised questions regarding the exclusion of a player who had been instrumental for India during their previous tour of Australia. Thakur had contributed significantly, taking key wickets and even scoring a half-century. He has been a vital seam-bowling all-rounder for India in overseas Test matches, particularly in SENA countries, and was part of the squad for the 2023 WTC Final. However, from Gambhir's latest stance, it seems like the Mumbai all-rounder has noted his last in the ICT.