Nitish Kumar Reddy Released From Test Squad
HYDERABAD: All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his Test debut last year and has been a regular in the squad, has been released from the Test side for the South Africa series despite being fully fit. Team management felt it would be difficult to accommodate him in the final XI, prompting the move.
Nitish will now represent India A in the one-day series against South Africa A. The first match is scheduled for Thursday, followed by two more games on December 16 and 19.
Nitish made his Test debut during last year’s Australia tour and impressed immediately with a century. He also contributed with the ball. However, his performances dipped and he struggled for consistency thereafter.
He returned home mid-way through the England tour due to injury. In home Tests, India rarely needed his bowling, and he sent down only four overs across the recent two-match series against West Indies while producing modest returns with the bat.
Team management is understood to have decided that a specialist batter would be more useful than an all-rounder who is not bowling regularly. As the South Africa Test series approached, Nitish was released from the squad.
“ Nitish is unlikely to find a place in the final XI. He has just returned from injury and needs more match practice. There is no benefit in keeping him idle for five days. Playing for the A side will help him prepare for the ODI series against South Africa,” team sources said.
Jurel’s form forces selection shift
Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is set to play the first Test against South Africa. He had filled in for the injured Rishabh Pant during the England tour and played consecutive matches.
Pant has now recovered and is available for the South Africa series, raising doubts about Jurel’s place. But his recent run in first-class cricket — 127 not out, 132 not out, 44, 125, 56 and 140 in his last six innings — ensured he could not be ignored.
His twin centuries in the four-day game against South Africa A virtually sealed his place. With Jurel confirmed, the team management opted to release Nitish to India A.
India support staff member Ten Doeschate also confirmed that Jurel will be part of the final XI. “We have complete clarity about the team combination. We cannot leave out either Pant or Jurel. If you do not see both of them in this match, it will be surprising,” he said.
Indian batters ready for spin challenge
Doeschate said India’s batters have learned from last year’s Test-series defeat to New Zealand and are prepared for South Africa’s spin attack. “We have a clear plan for playing spin. Their spinners performed well against Pakistan recently and they will definitely field three spinners here. It will be a challenge, but they must also remember they are playing a subcontinental side,” he said.
Pant sharpens skills ahead of return
Rishabh Pant, who recently proved his fitness by playing two first-class matches for South Africa A, trained extensively at Eden Gardens on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s first Test.
Pant appeared comfortable in the nets, played freely and faced Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja for long spells. He repeatedly stepped out and lofted the spinners, showing no signs of hesitation.
