Former Indian middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of the game, has expressed his disappointment over the Indian team management dropping Nitish Kumar Reddy for the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Rahane asserted that bilateral fixtures are where the Indian team can experiment with players, questioning Reddy’s actual role as India prepares for next year’s mega event in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
“If you are looking at Nitish Kumar Reddy, this is the time and chance to develop an all-rounder or a bowler. How do you give him confidence? That is really important. What role he is going to play in the World Cup, we don’t know. Will he bowl with the new ball, is he the first change, middle overs, we don’t know that. These bilateral matches are where you can try your players,” Ajinkya Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
Interestingly, Reddy was dropped in favor of the Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who made his international debut. It’s important to note that Reddy, who was initially part of the Asian Games squad, was drafted into the ODI squad as a late inclusion.
“If you play one match and not the next, then it doesn’t take that much time for your confidence to drop. I’m really happy for Auqib Nabi, did really well in the domestic circuit, played county cricket as well, I wish the best for him. But if you do not have Hardik Pandya ready for the World Cup, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role becomes very crucial,” he added.
In the second ODI, the West Indies posted a whopping total of 405/7 in 50 overs after losing the toss. John Campbell (101), Shai Hope (104) and Amir Jangoo (114) were the top batters. In response, India sealed the deal in 43.3 overs with eight wickets in hand. Rohit Sharma (101) and Shubman Gill (223*) were the top batters.
