India released all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from the Test squad for the series opener against South Africa.
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from India’s squad for the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He will join the India A team for their one-day series against South Africa A in Rajkot. Reddy is expected to return to the senior squad for the second Test in Guwahati beginning November 22.
Despite India’s plans to develop Reddy for future overseas tours, he received limited chances during the West Indies series. On a green pitch in Ahmedabad, he bowled only four overs across both innings. In the Delhi Test, he did not bowl at all despite India spending considerable time in the field.
Reddy also had a brief opportunity with the bat, facing 54 balls while batting at number five. However, this limited exposure wasn’t enough to secure his place in the team for the first Test against South Africa.
His release comes as no surprise given his position was the most uncertain in the squad. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is likely to take his spot. Jurel has been in exceptional form, recently scoring twin unbeaten centuries against South Africa A. This follows his hundreds against West Indies in Ahmedabad and Australia A in Lucknow.
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Jurel previously kept wicket during the West Indies series while Rishabh Pant recovered from a foot injury. With Pant now fit and available, and Jurel’s consistent performances, India’s selection options have become clearer.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Jurel’s likely inclusion. “I don’t think you can leave him [Jurel] out for this Test, is the short answer. But obviously, you can only pick XI as well, so someone else will have to miss out. I think we’ve got a pretty good idea of the combination. And given the way Dhruv’s gone in the last six months and scoring two 100s in Bangalore last week, he’s certain to play this week.”
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