“It will be the biggest mistake” – Gautam Gambhir on Shardul Thakur playing ahead of any Mohammed Siraj, Mohammad Shami or Jasprit Bumrah in IND Vs Pak.

Gautam Gambhir believes that Team India could make a significant mistake by including Shardul Thakur in the playing XI over the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Mohammad Shami, or Jasprit Bumrah for their upcoming Asia Cup Group A clash against Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele. The selection committee included all-rounders like Axar Patel and Shardul in the 17-member squad to provide additional batting depth at the request of Rohit Sharma and the team.

During a recent discussion on Star Sports, Gambhir was asked about the possibility of fielding three spinners against Pakistan. The former Indian opener emphasized that Shami, Siraj, and Bumrah possess the capability to deliver match-winning performances solely with their bowling skills

Gambhir said “I will go with three seamers and I will go with three seamers in the World Cup as well, not only here. If you are thinking about playing Shardul Thakur at No. 8 and compromising a fast bowler, I believe it will be the biggest mistake.”

In contrast, Shardul Thakur’s role is primarily that of the third seamer, working in tandem with Hardik Pandya, Gambhir

“Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah can win you games on their own in 10 overs. Shardul Thakur is somewhere or the other bits and pieces. He can be the third seamer alongside Hardik Pandya and give a little bit of batting.