Indian skipper Virat Kohli confirmed that medium-pacer Shardul Thakur has been ruled out of the second Test match against England. Thakur was ruled out with a myofascial strain on his left hamstring. However, the 29-year-old’s absence comes with several speculations as to who will replace him in the squad. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj missed the first Test and all three are in contention of a spot in the Indian playing 11 that will play at Lord’s starting on August 12. 

Also read: 2nd Test: India look to improve batting performance against England at Lord’s

Flashback to July 21, 2014, when the Indian Test squad was led by MS Dhoni and Murali Vijay and Stuart Binny were regular in the playing 11. It had been 1124 days since India won a Test overseas and 28 years since a Test victory came at Lord’s. The match – second in the series – saw a lanky Indian pacer help the team script history. Ishant Sharma’s bowling figures of 7/74 in the second innings helped India beat England by 95 runs. This was their first Test victory at Lord’s since 1986 Collision symbol. 

Cut to present. The first match, like the 2014 series, ended in a draw. And the second one will take place at Lord’s. Seven years later Ishant Sharma is still in the side, waiting for his chance to exploit the swinging conditions. But will he be selected?

Also read: England may play second Test without pace duo of Stuart Broad, James Anderson

Sharma has been struggling from a tear that he suffered during the World Test Championship final against New Zealand last month. However, he was seen practicing in the nets on Wednesday. If he is fit, there is a high chance that the team management will draft him on Thursday. 

The 32-year-old veteran is India’s highest wicket-taker in London. He has 18 scalps against his name. 

“We don’t feel like we’re a batsman short if Shardul doesn’t play. We will certainly think about picking 20 wickets first, not trying to plug another man who will give us some runs with the bat. We feel very comfortable after how the first test went,” Kohli said during the press conference. 

However, Ishant will be pitted against India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests – Ravichandran Ashwin. The off-spinner has taken 11 wickets in two matches since he arrived in England to play County cricket for Surrey. Pacer Mohammed Siraj will also be in contention for a spot. 

Also read: Joe Root overtakes Virat Kohli in ICC Test rankings, Jasprit Bumrah returns to top 10

India were on the cusp of a victory, needing 157 runs on the last day, in the first Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. However, the match was washed out and the series stands at 0-0. 

Will Ishant Sharma play? Will there be a 2014 repeat? Only time will tell.