Andhra seam bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy earned his maiden call-up in the 18-member Indian team led by Rohit Sharma for the upcoming five-Test series against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After a stunning T20I debut, he has been selected for India’s tour of Australia.
While his talent is undeniable, there’s concern about his limited red ball experience.
Former selector MSK Prasad — who spotted Nitish when he was playing under-12 and under-14 cricket, highlighted this, questioning his readiness for the rigours of Test cricket.
Reddy’s coming India A matches against Australia will be crucial in determining his suitability for the challenging conditions Down Under.
‘They are sure about his batting and that he can bowl 8-10 overs like Hardik Pandya used to bowl. But he is not Hardik, who bowls at 140. He just bowls at 125 to 130 kmph. I am just a little concerned with his experience in red ball cricket because he hasn’t played the format enough,’ Prasad told Star Sports.
‘He did take about 25 wickets in a few of the last domestic seasons, but still, I’m concerned because of the kind of role we gave to Hardik back then after whatever Test cricket he had played,’ Prasad added.
‘I hope he makes good use of the two India A matches he is supposed to play.’
