Leg and Off: Should India consider dropping Nitish Kumar Reddy for 3rd BGT 2024-25 Test at The Gabba?
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been one of India's bright spots in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 so far. While India were bowled out for just 150 in the first innings of the opening Test in Perth, Nitish was the top scorer with a 59-ball 41, which included six fours and a six.
Even in the second innings, the youngster remained unbeaten on 38 off 27 balls, scoring 3 fours and a couple of sixes, playing a key role with the bat as India won the Test.
In the second Test in Adelaide, India were once again bowled out for a low total of 180 in the first innings. Nitish Kumar Reddy, though, stood tall with a brave 54-ball 42 that included 3 fours and as many sixes. He scored 42 runs off 47 balls in their second innings as well and once again impressed with the bat despite India's defeat.
However, despite his fine performances, there is a slight dilemma over his place in the side for the third Test at the Gabba. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar called Nitish a 'rare batting talent', but put a question mark on his place in the side for the third Test.
"Exceptional batting talent there, and you can see it. Maybe the kind of batting talent that gets better with higher-quality bowling. He hasn't got many runs in first-class cricket, but you can see the rare batting talent there," he told ESPNcricinfo.
Talking about the balance of the team though, Manjrekar highlighted the need to strengthen the bowling attack.
"But India also has to think about the balance of the team. India also have to look to make their bowling sharper along with solving the batting issues. Nitish has shown some spark at the moment. It is a bit risky but too early," he said about Nitish Kumar Reddy continuing to play as an all-rounder.
Will Nitish Kumar Reddy become the sacrificial lamb for the 3rd BGT 2024-25 Test at The Gabba?
It is possible that India might think of dropping Nitish Kumar Reddy for the third BGT 2024-25 Test at the Gabba. While Nitish has probably been India's best batter in the series with consistent performances so far, the team will have a tough call to make about his place.
The visitors struggled with their pacers, who were unable to put the Australian batters under pressure constantly during the second Test in Adelaide. After the defeat, it is certain that there is a need for better balance in the team. If reports are to be believed, it is likely that a 'bouncy' track will be prepared for the third Test at the Gabba.
That said, if India opt to play a fourth seamer should the conditions demand so, Nitish Kumar Reddy could face the possibility of being dropped. With Akash Deep an option to come in as the fourth pacer, Nitish may have to make way. While his performances with the bat have been impressive, the 21-year-old bowled just 14 overs across the two Tests, picking up only two wickets.
Despite being a medium-pace-bowling all-rounder, Nitish has not been utilized much as a bowler and also seemed to lack control whenever he bowled. If Nitish is dropped, the batting might take a slight hit given his performances down the order.
The depth of the batting would take a hit without a doubt. However, with Jasprit Bumrah being the only consistent performer, and his fitness and workload being a bit of a concern, a proper fourth seamer would be required to bolster the pace attack and provide the balance.
With the batting struggling in the previous Test, dropping Nitish Kumar Reddy could be a tricky move. However, it remains to be seen as to what the pitch in Brisbane will look like, and what call the team management takes based on the conditions on offer.