In a big development, star all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from India's Test squad for the two-match series against South Africa. Sports Tak has learnt that Nitish Reddy was released in middle of the Team India's practice. He has flown back to India to play List A matches.
Nitish Kumar Reddy released from India's Test squad for SA series
Reddy will now link up with India A side in Rajkot for their ongoing series against South Africa A. Reddy had initially been training with the senior squad at the Eden Gardens as part of the preparatory camp for the upcoming two-Test series against the defending World Test Champions. However, the team management decided to release him midway through the practice sessions, a move prompted by the realisation that he was unlikely to be included in the playing XI for the opening Test.
Sources privy to the development confirmed that the 22-year-old Andhra all-rounder flew to Rajkot earlier this week. The primary purpose of this reassignment is to provide Reddy with valuable game time and help him regain match fitness after several months affected by injuries. He is expected to participate in the List A fixtures against the touring South Africa A team.
Dhruv Jurel confirmed to play 1st Test against South Africa
Earlier in the day, India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Reddy's omission during his pre-match press conference on November 12. Doeschate hinted that the management had made a straightforward decision to include the in-form wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI, which indirectly paved the way for Reddy's release.
Reddy's journey has been significantly hampered in recent months, starting with a left quadriceps injury sustained during the ODI series in Adelaide, which ruled him out of the first three T20Is against Australia. Despite recovering from that setback, he later struggled with neck spasms that inhibited his full recovery and limited his match rhythm upon his return to training. Once touted as one of India’s most promising Test all-rounders, Reddy's current mission is to fully regain his form and rhythm with the India A squad. His release also allows the senior team to streamline their squad balance, particularly as they already have two proven all-round options in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel available for the Test series.
Updated India’s Test squad:
Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper/vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep
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