Shardul was not trusted much with the ball in the Leeds Test as he got to bowl just six overs in the first innings, while in the second essay he bowled 10 overs and claimed a couple of wickets. However, he was expensive in both innings with an economy rate over 5 on both occasions.

Ajinkya Rahane, who has captained India to several iconic Test victories, believes the team is unlikely to make wholesale changes. He backed Arshdeep Singh as the ideal replacement if Jasprit Bumrah is rested for the next match.

“I do not see too many changes. I think if Bumrah doesn’t play I would like to see Arshdeep Singh playing.

If there is bounce and little grass on the wicket then continue with Prasidh Krishna. If it looks dry and the weather is also hot, then in place of Prasidh Krishna my choice will be Kuldeep Yadav. And Ravindra Jadeja as two spinners. If Bumrah doesn’t play then Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur,” Rahane said for his YouTube channel.

“Shardul Thakur is your guy who can get you wickets”

Rahane asserted that Shardul is a wicket-taking option, which he also said after the opening Test when Shubman underutilised him and asked him to use him well with the ball.

“I would like to see Shardul playing this Test because he is your guy who can get you wickets. So these three and two spinners. If there is good bounce and movement then back Prasidh Krishna. He will be the right guy on a seaming wicket,” he added.