NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the rationale behind selecting pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in India’s playing XI for the recently concluded two-match Test series against the West Indies. Although India secured a commanding 2-0 series clean sweep, Reddy's limited involvement has become a talking point.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, Ashwin said that if this was Nitish Reddy’s role, the team could instead include a specialist batter or bowler. He added that Axar Patel could be a good option, pointing out that he had also been a match-winner and deserved consideration.
"If this is Nitish Reddy's role, I feel you can play a specialist batter or a bowler. You could play Axar Patel. What less has he done? He has been a match-winner," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, Ashwin questioned when Nitish Reddy would come into play, clarifying that he was not suggesting the inclusion of an extra bowler but rather a specialist batter if required. He said that Axar Patel had performed much better than Nitish in this role.
"When does Nitish Reddy come into play? I am not saying you play an extra bowler; if not, play a specialist batter only. Axar has done much better than Nitish in this role," he further said.
He further added that Axar had the best defence against spin. While acknowledging Nitish as a fine batter, he mentioned that his role in the team could use a bit more clarity.
"Axar Patel has the best defense against spin. . Nitish is a fine batter, but there could be a bit more role definition."
Axar Patel's scintillating numbers in Tests
Axar Patel has an impressive record in the longest format. He has played 14 Tests for India, scoring 646 runs at an average of 35.88, including four half-centuries. With the ball, he has claimed 55 wickets at an outstanding average of 19.34, highlighting his consistency as a genuine all-rounder.
