Ravi Ashwin has raised questions over Nitish Reddy’s inclusion in India’s playing XI against the West Indies. The former India spinner criticized the decision to field Reddy in the second Test of the series, despite India clinching a comfortable 2-0 series victory. Reddy’s contribution on the field, however, was minimal.
He bowled just four overs in the first Test and wasn’t given a single over in the second, even as the West Indies amassed 390 runs in their second innings. Captain Shubman Gill chose not to utilize him at any stage.
Ashwin suggested that the team would have been better served by a specialist batter or a proven all-rounder such as Axar Patel.
Ravi Ashwin “If this is Nitish Reddy’s role, then you might as well play a specialist batter or a bowler. You could play Axar Patel—what less has he done? He’s been a match-winner,” Ravi Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“Axar has outperformed Nitish in this role” – Ravi Ashwin
Axar Patel has featured in 14 Tests, amassing 646 runs and claiming 55 wickets. His highest score is 84, with four fifties to his name, while his best bowling figures are 6/38, including a ten-wicket haul in a match. Ravichandran Ravi Ashwin emphasized that Axar has excelled far more than Nitish in the all-rounder role and is a stronger batter.
“When does Nitish Reddy come into the picture? I’m not saying you need an extra bowler; if not, then play a specialist batter. Axar has performed much better than Nitish in this role. He has the best defence against spin. So if you’re not using him, especially when you have Siraj, Bumrah, and a second seamer, Nitish can come in for batting depth. Otherwise, I don’t see the point. Nitish is a capable batter, but his role could use more clarity,” Ravi Ashwin said.
By contrast, Nitish has played nine Tests, scoring 386 runs at an average of 29.69 with one century, and has taken eight wickets at 39.62.
