NITISH Kumar Reddy is in contention to be picked for the Indian Test squad for the tour of Australia. The Indian Express understands that Ajit Agarkar-led five member selection committee is looking at him as a seam-bowling all-rounder Down Under this time.
Reddy has been part of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and recently he was picked for India T20I side against Bangladesh at home.
The senior selection committee is expected to meet in Pune after the second Test between India and New Zealand. The Indian team is expected to depart for Perth on November 10.
Since this a long tour and involves five Tests, the Indian team will be travelling with a big contingent including net bowlers.
It is understood that selectors will also discuss the inclusion of Shardul Thakur, who played a key role in the famous Gabba Test in 2022. Thakur has returned from injury and is playing for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. He played a crucial role in Mumbai winning last season’s Ranji Trophy.
It is understood that it could well come down to Reddy and Thakur vying for one spot. Reddy is seen as an all-rounder for the future, who has the potential to even play long format.
The 33-year-old Thakur hasn’t been part of the India side since the last South Africa tour in December 2023, but has been featuring consistently in domestic cricket.
The upcoming A series against Australia could turn out to be crucial for Reddy. Part of the India A team that is scheduled to play two first-class matches on October 31 and November 7, the selectors are keen to see whether he can manage the workload of bowling 10-15 overs a day. He will also get a chance to impress the team management in the intra-squad practice game that is scheduled before the first Test.
The batting-all-rounder from Andhra has played 21 first class games till now and can bat in the middle-order and bowl with a decent pace. The selection committee is expected to take six seamers for the five-match Test series.
