Nitish Kumar Reddy in Tests (Source: AFP Photos)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) kept Nitish Kumar Reddy for only one ODI match to let him prepare for India vs New Zealand Tests. He was supposed to play in the India A vs New Zealand A 3rd unofficial Test, which began on Saturday (November 7) at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln.
However, he could not take the field for India A, and his manager later confirmed to CREX that he had a viral fever. He was also not in action during the IND vs NZ 1st ODI, probably for the same reason.
Major Setback For India As Nitish Kumar Reddy Sidelined
The news came as a massive setback for India, who will now have to reconsider including Reddy in the playing XI without proper red-ball preparation in New Zealand. He was thought to be crucial for India’s success in New Zealand Tests, given that he can be handy with the bat and can roll his arms if required.
Last month, Nitish missed out on playing in Bengaluru when India and the West Indies faced each other in the T20I series-deciding fixture. Unfortunately, he also had a fever then as well.
India Squad For New Zealand Tests
Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj
Who Will Play If Nitish Kumar Reddy Remans Unavailable?
India may have to bring Auqib Nabi into the Test squad if Nitish Kumar Reddy remains unavailable and doesn't have enough time to be fit for IND vs NZ Tests. There is still plenty of time, as the two-match Test series will get underway on October 19.
Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, fully fit Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj are India’s current out-and-out fast-bowling options. They will have at least three fast bowlers in the playing XI, given the conditions favourable for them.
