Nitish Reddy Excluded for Kolkata Test vs South Africa

Post by : Mara Rahim

India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has almost confirmed the team roster for the upcoming Test against South Africa, set to kick off on Friday in Kolkata. A significant change will see young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy released from the team, enabling him to join India A for a series of one-day matches against South Africa A.

This move is part of a strategic adjustment by the Indian management, aimed at tailoring the team to fit the playing conditions in Kolkata. Ten Doeschate noted that despite Nitish's potential for the future, the inclusion of an additional batter was deemed necessary for this match. Consequently, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is anticipated to take the field against the reigning World Test Champions, South Africa.

Shortly after the coach's media briefing at Eden Gardens, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced Nitish's release from the squad. He will then head to Rajkot to participate in a three-match one-day series with the India A team, scheduled between November 13 and 19. Nonetheless, Nitish is expected to return for the second Test starting November 22 in Guwahati.

The BCCI explained that this decision was made to provide Nitish with more match exposure after struggling with injuries over the last few months. Rather than remaining inactive on the bench, he will gain valuable experience competing with India A.

Nitish’s role in India’s home Tests has sparked debate following his outings against the West Indies last month. In the first Test in Ahmedabad, he only bowled four overs and didn’t bat. In the subsequent Test in Delhi, he scored 43 runs batting at number five but was again overlooked for bowling duties. This irregular usage led to discussions about the necessity of a specialist bowler over a developing all-rounder.

Former players like Gautam Gambhir supported Nitish’s continual inclusion, emphasizing the lessons the young cricketer could learn from seasoned fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. He articulated that it wouldn’t be fair to limit his experiences to challenging overseas tours.

However, coach Ten Doeschate asserted that immediate strategy takes precedence over experimentation in critical matches. “Nitish played both Tests in the West Indies series, and we emphasized the importance of his development. But for this series, strategy is paramount,” he detailed. “Our stance on Nitish remains unchanged, but given the significance of this series and anticipated conditions in Kolkata, he won’t feature in this Test.”

Further reports later confirmed that Nitish departed the Indian camp, en route to Rajkot to join the India A squad. The decision indicates that India has solidified its plans for the first Test, aiming for a lineup well-suited to the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens.

This first Test against South Africa will be instrumental in India’s home season. They aim to achieve a strong start before their supporters after a successful series against the West Indies. Facing South Africa, the current World Test Champions, will pose a significant hurdle, emphasizing the importance of strategic selections.

With Nitish temporarily absent, focus now shifts to Dhruv Jurel and his ability to perform in a high-pressure situation. The Indian team is counting on seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah to steer the team to success in the opening Test.

For Nitish Kumar Reddy, this strategic move could yield long-term benefits. Competing in the India A series will allow him to maintain his form and build confidence prior to rejoining the main squad for the second Test. The Indian management has reaffirmed his role in their long-term Test strategy.