Legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in India's playing XI following the conclusion of the two-Test series against the West Indies in Delhi on Tuesday (October 14).
While India hammered the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the series opener in Ahmedabad, they won the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium by seven wickets to sweep series 2-0.
Nitish, who delivered only four overs in the first Test and was not given a single over in the second, had a limited role throughout the series.
Indian bowlers had to toil hard to bowl out the visitors in the second innings on a placid Delhi track, but Nitish was not given the ball by captain Shubman Gill.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin voiced his concerns about Nitish Reddy's selection, stating that India could have picked a specialist batter or a proven all-rounder like Axar Patel instead.
"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.
"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 added.
"Axar Patel has the best defense against spin. So, if you're not using him, especially when choosing between Siraj, Bumrah, and a second seamer, then Nitish can play for batting depth; otherwise, I don't see the point. Nitish is a fine batter, but there could be a bit more role definition," he further stated.
Axar has played 14 Tests so far and has amassed 646 runs at an average of 35.88, including four half-centuries. With the ball, he has claimed 55 scalps at an average of 19.34.
On the other hand, Reddy has featured in nine Test matches, scoring 386 runs at an average of 29.69 with one century. With the ball, he has taken eight wickets at an average of 39.62.
India’s next Test assignment is the home series against South Africa. Kolkata (November 14-18) and Guwahati (November 22-26) will host the two matches next month. It remains to be seen whether Nitish Reddy continues to appear in the playing XI, or Axar Patel makes his comeback to the lineup.
(With ANI Inputs)
