Former BCCI and Team India selector MSK Prasad has raised concerns over the selection of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Reddy, who has played only 21 first-class matches, has been fast-tracked into the Test squad after impressing in IPL 2024 and in T20Is for India.
Prasad believes that Reddy should not be expected to perform like Hardik Pandya, who is a more experienced all-rounder. “He is not Hardik, who bowls at 140. He just bowls at 125 to 130kmph,” Prasad said.
Prasad also expressed concern over Reddy’s lack of experience in red-ball cricket. “I’m concerned because of the kind of role we gave to Hardik back then after whatever Test cricket he had played,” Prasad added.
Hardik’s Test career lasted only 11 Tests, and he hasn’t played a red-ball game in over six years. He has often been bogged down by injury and needed workload management.
Prasad has similar worries about Reddy, who has only 708 runs and a solitary century in first-class cricket. “His batting numbers are far from brilliant,” Prasad said.
Despite his concerns, Prasad acknowledged that Reddy has taken 55 first-class wickets at a good average of 26.01. However, he believes that Reddy’s selection is a gamble.
“It’s a gamble. He’s a talented player, but he’s not ready for Test cricket yet,” Prasad said. “I hope he proves me wrong, but I’m not convinced.”
