Former India batter VVS Laxman feels that Shardul Thakur should replace veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India’s playing XI for the game against New Zealand.
According to Laxman, Shardul will increase the depth in India’s batting line-up.
“I would go for Shardul Thakur because Shardul can give runs with the bat, and he’s a wicket-taking option. It also increases the depth in the batting lineup. So, I would definitely go with Shardul ahead of Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar),” Laxman said on Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’.
“He is an experienced bowler, but if you think about the balance and the combination of the playing eleven, I would probably prefer Shardul over Bhuvi.”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a difficult outing against Pakistan as he conceded 25 runs from his three overs. Shardul Thakur, on the other hand, did not find a place in the starting XI, despite performing exceptionally well in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
He was the joint third-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 21 scalps.
