Pace all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is unlikely to be picked for India’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka despite having resumed bowling during his rehabilitation from a quadriceps injury. The squad for the rubber, to be played in Galle and Colombo from August 15 to 27, will be finalised on Tuesday (July 28).
The 22-year-old all-rounder, who was part of India’s squad for the New Chandigarh Test against Afghanistan in June, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. According to Cricbuzz, Reddy has started bowling again, but the board thinks the series will come too soon for him.
Reddy has been a major source of frustration for the Indian team. He has shown rapid growth in the last few months, increasing
his bowling pace and offering a much-needed backup for Hardik Pandya, but that has come at a cost of even more injuries for the talented Hyderabadi.
It has exposed India’s lack of depth in this department, with Shivam Dube proving inadequate for ODIs and Suryansh Shedge still too young for the role.
However, this series against Sri Lanka is where the board would be accepting of giving Reddy an extended rest, because spinners would be expected to dominate in the island nation. India have no shortage of spin all-rounders, having blooded Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey recently.
There’s also concern around Washington Sundar’s knee injury suffered recently. He’s also in rehab at the CoE and if he’s ruled out, the team might need an adittional off-spinner.
The selection meeting, which is likely to be held virtually, will also decide whether Jasprit Bumrah is picked for the two Tests. Mohammed Siraj, who led India’s attack against Afghanistan in Bumrah’s absence, is also expected to retain his place. The selectors could also consider handing a Test call-up to Auqib Nabi, the leading wicket-taker in the last Ranji Trophy season.
