Indian decision making on the fourth test against England again came under the reflector because Dinesh Karthik raised his eyebrows over the promotion of Sharduula Thakura before Washington Sundar after Rishabh Pant injured in the fourth test against England.
When Rishabh Pant retired after an injury after being hit on the Chris Woakes shoe, he plunged fully at a promising 37-Indian, suddenly found himself in a delicate position at 235 for 4 late on the day. Pant forced the injury to regroup and it was Thakur, not Sundar, who got to the middle movement, which he left many people, including former Indian goalkeeper Dinesh Karthik, confused.
“I was extremely surprised. Washington showed the real peace with the bat in this series and before. It’s someone who is doing well -acclaimed doughs around him. With Pant Gone and Sai Sudharsan, it was the perfect moment when Sundar entered and stable things.
Ricky Ponting said the confusion in the comment: “We just look at the numbers, I think Washington average almost 39 in a test cricket and Shardule is down at the 17th and not sent. It’s not a night watch-so 40 minutes of play and a new ball around the corner.”
“All the more reasons (send Sundara in front of Shardul). He played in the first test match, was released quite cheaply, a few free shots,” Ravi Shastri added.
Indian vs vs ENG, 4. Test: Update 1. Day
Karthik’s reaction reflected the thoughts of many follow -ups in commentary and at home. His sentiment was repeated by Ponting and Shastri, who was also impressed by the tactical selection. Ponting pointed to a sharp contrast at their average test batting Sundar’s 38.92 out of 11 matches compared to Thakurov 17.68 out of 12.
But it was Karthik who emphasized Sundar’s efficiency when he detonated the height. “It is someone who builds shifts. He plays with intent, yes, but with some understanding of pace when he detonates the top -order players. It is not exactly the same when the bat.
In fact, Sundar in this series quietly impressed the bat, despite the inconsistency of India. With a score of 42 and 12 is not in Edgbaston and useful 23 in Lord’s, his contributions often flew under the radar. After he also picked up five goals in the third test, his versatile form seemed to guarantee more responsibility.
The Indian camp still has to offer a formal explanation of the decision, but speculation suggests a combination of tactical caution and possible lack of confidence in the ability of Sundar to master the second new ball. Thakur, often considered to be Gutsy cricket, managed to see the day and end up 19 not outside 36 balls. But the questions still persist whether it was the right step in a situation that required more than survival.
Shastri also brought during the commentary and remembered Thakura’s earlier release in the series: “In the first test he got to several free shoots. If it was something, it should get Think tank to send someone more seated in Washington.”
Since India ends 1 day at 264 for 4, the decision has not yet been, but ruled by the debate on the Indian flexibility of the launch rules and the use of versatile persons. Whether gambling pays off can depend on how Thakur and the rest of the fare with a lower center against a fresh ball on 2 day.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
July 24, 2025
Tune
