'Why play him?': R Ashwin slams India’s selection, questions this cricketer’s place in XI

Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy's inclusion in India's playing XI against the West Indies, citing minimal bowling contributions. Ashwin suggested a specialist batter or a proven all-rounder like Axar Patel would have been a better choice, emphasizing the need for clearer role definition for players expected to contribute across disciplines.

India's captain Shubman Gill celebrates with teammates Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar. (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the rationale behind including Nitish Kumar Reddy in India’s playing XI during the recently concluded second Test against the West Indies. Although India won the series convincingly, whitewashing the West Indies 2-0, Reddy’s involvement in the matches was minimal. He bowled just four overs in the first Test and did not bowl a single over in the second, despite West Indies posting 390 in their second innings. Captain Shubman Gill chose not to hand him the ball at any stage. Speaking on his YouTube channel, "Ash ki Baat," Ashwin expressed his concerns, suggesting that the team could have opted for either a specialist batter or a proven all-rounder like Axar Patel instead.

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“If this is Nitish Reddy’s role, I feel you can play a specialist batter or a bowler. You could play Axar Patel. What less has he done? He has been a match-winner,” Ashwin said. He further questioned the logic of selecting an all-rounder who contributes so little with the ball. “When does Nitish Reddy come into play? I am not saying you need an extra bowler; if not, then play a specialist batter only. Axar has done much better than Nitish in this role,” he added. Ashwin also highlighted Axar’s strengths, especially against spin. “Axar Patel has the best defence against spin. So, if you’re not using him, especially when you have Siraj, Bumrah, and a second seamer, then Nitish can play for batting depth. Otherwise, I don’t see the point. Nitish is a fine batter, but there could be a bit more clarity on his role,” he noted. Looking at the numbers, Axar has played 14 Tests for India, scoring 646 runs at an average of 35.88, including four fifties, and has taken 55 wickets at an average of 19.34. Nitish, on the other hand, has featured in nine Tests, scoring 386 runs at 29.69 with one century, and has claimed eight wickets at 39.62.

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