Nitish Kumar Reddy Set to Rejoin India for 2nd Test vs SA: Reports

Nitish Kumar Reddy is reportedly set to rejoin India’s Test squad as cover for the injured captain Shubman Gill.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to rejoin India’s Test squad for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Reddy was initially released from the squad to play for India A.

His recall is being considered by the team management due to an injury concern surrounding captain Shubman Gill. Gill suffered a neck cramp during the second day of the first Test at Eden Gardens.

He was immediately carried off the field. The BCCI confirmed he was under medical observation. Viral visuals later showed Gill wearing a cervical collar, suggesting his recovery may not be complete in time for the next Test. With the second Test beginning in just four days, the team is likely to call back Reddy for his all-round skills.

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Gill’s Injury Update

According to a TOI report, coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management initially felt Reddy needed more game time with India A. However, Gill’s injury has prompted them to preemptively recall the all-rounder.

Reddy is expected to join the Indian team on November 18. He will miss the final one-day game for India A as a result.

His inclusion could strengthen India’s playing XI by providing a left-right batting combination. This would help smooth out the match-ups against the South African bowlers.

Reddy has not been officially named as Gill’s replacement. However, his batting firepower in the middle order could be valuable after India’s batting collapse in the first Test.

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Other batting options on the bench include Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan was seen doing drills during the innings break in Kolkata.