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Nitish Kumar Reddy in action. (AP photo)
After the Indian bowling unit struggled against South Africa’s middle and lower middle order in the first ODI at the JSCA Cricket Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the absence of fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from the playing XI.
“If we are not able to find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in a team that does not have Hardik Pandya, then there is something wrong in the squad selection, seriously,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“Why was he picked? Because the fact that he can give what Hardik can give, and can get better over a period of time. But, if we can’t find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in this particular XI, then the squad selection must be properly reviewed,” he added.
After reducing South Africa to 11 for three by the fifth over, Indian bowlers looked a little clueless against the Protean counter-attack led by Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch as the visitors put up a tough fight in a big chase of 350, taking the game to the very last over with 18 required to win. Bosch, in search of a big hit, holed out to Rohit Sharma off Prasidh Krishna, eventually leading the way for a 17-run win for India, but by no means was it a one-sided game.
Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar found a place in the XI ahead of Nitish Kumar Reddy. Rana was exceptional with the new ball, dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock on ducks in his first over. Sundar batted at No. five ahead of skipper KL Rahul, who was pushed down to No. 6.
Ashwin also opined that it does not make sense to bring in Tilak Varma in the XI after playing Ruturaj Gaikwad at No. 1 in the first One-Day. “You gave an opportunity to Ruturaj, so it doesn’t make sense to go to Tilak Varma right now. So, give him a longer run and then decide what your right combination is,” said Ashwin.
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