India lost by 5 wickets in the first Test against England at Headingley, with the hosts crossing a tall fourth-innings target of 371 with ease. India's bowling team was unable to capitalize, and doubts arose over their selection and approach. One such underwhelming performer was Shardul Thakur, whose role with the ball was limited to become a talking point. Now, former Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane has chipped in with strategic advice on how India can utilize Shardul more effectively in the remaining matches of the series. Shardul was totally ineffective in the Headingley Test, not taking a single wicket in the first innings and only two in the second. The standout feature was the small quantity of overs he bowled a mere 96 deliveries against Jasprit Bumrah (262 balls), Mohammed Siraj (246), and Prasidh Krishna (210). What is notable is that it was spinner Ravindra Jadeja who bowled the most for India with 282 balls. Rahane feels the team management did not utilize Shardul's talent to the fullest and the all-rounder should get more importance in the bowling lineup. In a YouTube video, Rahane emphasized imparting more responsibility to Shardul with the ball. Here is what Rahane said: “With the duke ball, it generally starts to behave after 10 or 12 overs. If Shardul can start the bowling with Bumrah and Siraj can come in as one change, that will be great. I would like to see Shardul bowling more overs. Give him that freedom, he will get you more wickets,” Also Read: Hardik Pandya's rumoured ex-girlfriend Esha Gupta opened up on their relationship Rahane also pointed out Shardul's variety and international record, stating that he is a true wicket-taking option if utilized wisely. Rahane feels Shardul has not been employed to his maximum potential and opined that if India lets him bowl extra overs either as the first-change option or even with the new ball he might turn out to be a reliable wicket-taker for the team. “I feel an all-rounder’s role is very important. Shardul Thakur has been an experienced player and has done well in Test cricket overseas. I want to see more overs from Shardul. If the Indian team can use Shardul Thakur in a better way, that will be great. Whatever I have seen with him, he can swing the ball both ways and is a wicket-taker. If Shardul can bowl the first change or even given the new ball he can swing it both ways,” added Rahane.