'He's not fit enough': Brad Hogg tears into Shardul Thakur in brutal rant

Former Australia National Cricket Team spinner Brad Hogg has launched a heavy criticism on the 33-year-old India National Cricket Team pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur.

Brad Hogg said that Shardul Thakur is not fit enough to be a part of India's Test setup, and he has let himself down over the years by not working hard on his fitness.

Shardul Thakur to battle with Nitish Kumar Reddy

Thakur has made his comeback to the Indian Test team for the five-match Test series against the England National Cricket Team after missing out on the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

He staged his return to the Indian Test setup by delivering exceptional performances in domestic cricket, and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee was forced to include him in the squad for the England Tests.

However, Shardul Thakur isn't guaranteed a place in India's Test playing XI, and he will be fighting the other all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, for a spot in the team.

In two matches against England Lions, both Thakur and Reddy didn't look highly impressive, which is a cause of concern for India. Nitish Kumar Reddy scored one half-century and picked up two wickets, while Shardul Thakur picked up two wickets and posted the highest score of 34 across.

One thing that could work in Thakur's favor is past experience in England, where he showcased a good performance with the ball and made excellent contributions while batting down the order.

I love his all-round ability, but I just think he’s let himself down - Brad Hogg

Speaking in an interaction with RevSportz, Brad Hogg shared his blunt views on Shardul Thakur, stating that the all-rounder has fitness concerns and rated Nitish Kumar Reddy superior to him.

"The thing with Thakur and I’m sorry about this Shardul Thakur and any fans out there with Thakur, the thing with him, I love his all-round ability, but I just think he’s let himself down over his career with his fitness. I just don’t think he’s looked after himself and I don’t know whether you can have him in that lineup," Brad Hogg said.

"I’d still stick with Jadeja. I think Jadeja adds better depth with your batting. And you might be able to have Reddy in there as well with the bat and just bowling a few medium pacers. But I don’t think you can go there with Thakur. I just don’t think he’s fit enough."

I don’t think he would play all five Test matches - Brad Hogg

Brad Hogg further said that Thakur doesn't have the ability or fitness to deliver for Team India across all five Test matches against England, and the team management should be careful before pinning their hopes on the Mumbai star.

"I don’t think he would play all five Test matches. I think if you rock up and conditions look as though, or the pitch is green and it’s going to seam and it looks as though it’s going to be overcast for a three- or four-day period through the Test match, you might think about playing Shardul Thakur. But I wouldn’t be rushing in there and having him in my main eleven. I just don’t think his fitness will be up to it for the five Test matches," added Hogg.

Also Read:Watch: BCCI confirms India’s openers for ENG Tests, Shubman Gill fires up team with intense speech