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India’s pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s place in the playing eleven has been questioned. Reddy bowled just four overs in the Test series and did not roll his arm in the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. As West Indies’ John Campbell and Shai Hope led West Indies’ fightback, many wondered why Reddy isn’t bowling. After the seven-wicket win to complete cleansweep, Gill explained why Reddy was picked over others despite him not being in plans to bowl. The skipper said that the team management doesn’t want Reddy to only play in overseas conditions where India are in need of a batter who can bowl.
“He didn't really get to bowl in this match. We don't want players to only play matches overseas. That puts a lot of pressure on the players. We want to groom certain players that we think can help us win matches overseas because that's been a challenge for us,” Gill said in the post-match presentation.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir made similar comments in the post-match press conference.
“He (Reddy) has done well in the tours away from and he deserves a go wherever we play,” Gambhir told the reporters after India’s seven-wicket win in the first session of Day 5.
Reddy’s limited exposure in West Indies series
Reddy did not get to bat in the first Test as India posted 448/5 before declaring. India won the Test by an innings and 140 runs.
In the second Test, Reddy got a promotion in the batting order. He batted at no.5 in the first innings, ahead of Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. He attacked West Indies bowlers, hitting four fours and two sixes in his 54-ball 43. He lost his wicket to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. He shared a 91-run partnership with Gill for the fourth wicket.
He was impressive in the field, taking chances and making acrobatic saves.
Patel or Reddy in playing XI for South Africa series?
However, it will be interesting to see if India opt for Axar Patel ahead of Reddy in the crucial two-Test series at home against South Africa. India would want an extra bowling option over reigning WTC champions.
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