Reddy was among the few positives for the Indian team in an otherwise disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has not been included in India’s playing XI for the first Test against England in Headingley. Reddy was among the few positives for the Indian team in an otherwise disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.
In his maiden Test rubber, he scored 298 runs at an impressive average of 37.25 in nine innings, including a century. More importantly, he played numerous timely knocks to revive India from precarious positions in most games and showed his capability as a batter.
Further, he also snared five wickets at 38 runs apiece in nine outings, with a best of 2/32. He didn’t get enough overs but impressed in limited chances, given his little experience bowling in Australian conditions.
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Hence, he could have been added to the XI since he can contribute with both bat and ball and has shown his ability to navigate through threats and bat anywhere in the order. However, Reddy doesn’t fit in the team combination and would be gutted not to be in the XI despite having a fine start to his Test career.
If we look at the team combination, India have handed a debut to Sai Sudharsan, who will bat at No.3, as confirmed by Shubman Gill. That means Karun Nair, who has returned to the side after eight years, will take the No.6 spot.
Further, India have opted for a better bowler in Shardul Thakur, who can also chip in with useful runs in the lower order. That suggests the team wanted more bowling depth and specialists, which is not a bad move, given the value of taking 20 wickets in Test cricket.
Hence, there was no spot for Reddy, whose position in the XI was only possible if India didn’t rope in Sudharsan at No.3. In that case, Nair could have batted at No.3, with Reddy taking his current slot at No.6.
It remains to be seen whether Thakur can perform the dual role, but he has previous experience playing in England and performing in both departments. Reddy would feel hard done by, but that’s how the team combinations work.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
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