All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from India’s Test squad and will now join the India A team in Rajkot for the upcoming One-Day series against South Africa A, starting Thursday.
Reddy’s spot in the Test XI will see Rishabh Pant return as the wicketkeeper-batter, while Dhruv Jurel will be retained purely as a batter.
According to a PTI report, a source close to the development confirmed that the team management wants Reddy to regain full match fitness following his quadriceps injury and neck spasms sustained during the tour of Australia.
“Nitish Reddy will link up with the India A squad in Rajkot as the team management wants him to remain in rhythm post his injury. It will be better for him to get match time rather than sit out for five days. Playing three games in five days will help him prepare for the white-ball leg against South Africa,” the source said.
All three List A matches will be held in Rajkot on November 13, 16, and 19. If needed, Reddy may rejoin the senior squad in Guwahati for the second Test later this month.
Reddy’s omission from the playing XI seemed likely after he bowled just four overs across two Tests against the West Indies earlier this year. The management reportedly wants to shape him into a genuine all-rounder, though his bowling still needs refinement and his batting isn’t as consistent as Jurel’s.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that Reddy may have to miss this Test, citing conditions and team balance.
“Our position on Nitish hasn’t changed. He didn’t get much game time in Australia. But given the importance of this series and the conditions we expect, he might miss out this week,” Ten Doeschate said.
(By PTI Inputs)
