India's England tour began on a poor note with a five-wicket loss in the opening Test at Headingley, Leeds. In spite of strong batting efforts, the tourists were at the receiving end because of uninspiring bowling selections and sloppy fielding. But one choice which attracted huge criticism was the tardy utilization of Shardul Thakur with the ball, with previous India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin too calling out. India scored 471 in the first innings and appeared well-placed. Yet, successive lower-order collapses and a lackluster showing with the ball helped the home side steal the game away. Newly named captain Shubman Gill, who gave the ball to Shardul only in the 40th over of England's first innings, long after their openers, including Joe Root, had settled in, invoked criticism from Ashwin. Also Read | Top 10 Best Openers in World Cricket History Here is what Ashwin said on his YouTube channel “You have taken Shardul Thakur in the team and didn’t give him a ball in the first 40 overs. And Joe Root was batting. And Shardul has a very decent match-up against Joe Root. So, if Shardul Thakur’s role is not less, then I genuinely rate Shardul as a cricketer. He has caught Ben Duckett and Harry Brook. He can make things happen. But he has to use them at the right time. But if this is going to be the way he is going to be used, I don’t think he is really making any sense. Because he has to be given the ball for him to make a difference. He didn’t bowl that much in the first 40 overs,” In the second innings, Thakur was introduced earlier, in the 19th over but bowled only 10 overs. Even though he took two wickets, most felt they were lucky to get those wickets, and his function continued to be limited. Ashwin highlighted the larger concern of India not using a wicket-taker enough. “He didn’t bowl that much in the second innings either. Obviously, much more than the first innings. So, his role was very limited and I think it is very unfair to raise an argument on what he did,” Ashwin added.