look news india
Fast bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy may be given a chance to make his Test debut in the Perth Test against Australia starting tomorrow i.e. Friday. Ahead of the opening Test against Australia in Perth, veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed concerns about India’s team combination. Harbhajan Singh highlighted Nitish Kumar Reddy’s limited experience in his first-class career. 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy has played 23 first-class matches. In which he has scored 779 runs at an average of 21.05 and taken 56 wickets at an average of 26.98.
Harbhajan Singh raised questions on selection
Harbhajan Singh questioned the decision of handing over such a big responsibility to Nitish Kumar Reddy in the challenging circumstances of Perth. Harbhajan Singh pointed to the omission of Shardul Thakur, who played a key role in India’s series win in Australia during the 2020-21 Test tour. Harbhajan Singh said, ‘In Australia you needed an all-rounder like Hardik Pandya but you have no option but to play Nitish Kumar Reddy.’
Where is Shardul Thakur?
Harbhajan Singh said, ‘Where is Shardul Thakur? Where is Hardik Pandya? We have limited them to shorter formats only. Suddenly on such a tour you are asking Nitish Kumar Reddy to bowl. Harbhajan suggested that Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role could be similar to the bowling contributions of former captain Sourav Ganguly. This involves a few overs of medium pace and potentially significant breakthroughs can be achieved.
Big statement on Nitish Kumar Reddy
Harbhajan said, ‘Nitish Kumar Reddy can bowl a few overs like Sourav Ganguly and if he gets 1-2 wickets, it will be a bonus.’ The first Test is scheduled to begin on Friday at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Meanwhile, questions are being raised on the approach of team selection. For the Perth Test, India needs to take a big decision on the fast bowling department. To play the final of the World Test Championship 2025, India will have to win this Test series against Australia 4-0. The final of the World Test Championship will be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground between June 11 and June 15 next year. India has won the last two series in Australia. India had created history by winning the Test series on the Australian tour in 2018-19 and 2020-21. On both occasions, India defeated the Kangaroos 2–1.