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Why Nitish Kumar Reddy Is Not A Part Of India's Playing XI vs Australia A

Rajgeeta Yadav

Nitish Kumar Reddy not playing today's India A vs Australia A Test [Source: AFP]Nitish Kumar Reddy not playing today's India A vs Australia A Test [Source: AFP]

The first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A is underway in Lucknow, a series that gives young players a chance to prove themselves for a spot in the senior Test team. Shreyas Iyer is leading India A; however, one missing name in the playing XI has drawn attention, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

To begin with, Reddy did not make the cut for the first four-day game. Instead, players such as Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Tanush Kotian were included in the squad.

Nitish Reddy Left Out Of India A's Playing XI vs AUS A

Although the reason for his exclusion has not been revealed, reports from Sportstar stated that Reddy was seen bowling at full pace during practice sessions. Moreover, he also had a long net session with players like Sai Sudharsan and Ishan Kishan at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru earlier this month. 

Nevertheless, it seems the team management is exercising caution, perhaps believing that he is not yet ready for the workload of a four-day match.

Nitish Reddy's Recent Form Against England

Interestingly, Reddy, who was last seen in action during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England earlier this year, was widely expected to feature in this game. At Lord’s, he made headlines by dismissing openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.

However, his tour of England was cut short after he suffered a knee injury during a gym session. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the injury and sent him home midway through the series.

Since then, Reddy has been working hard to make his way back. For instance, he scored a fighting unbeaten 52 against the England Lions in May. On the other hand, consistency has eluded him, with scores of 34, 42, 1, 1, 30, and 13 in his most recent innings. Furthermore, his bowling workload has also been limited following the injury.

For now, Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to wait for his chance to return to red-ball cricket, with his selection hinging on both fitness and form.