New Delhi: Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that he is against dropping young Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. India and Australia face-off in the Boxing Day Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26, Thursday. The five-match series is equally poised at 1-1.
Speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar hailed Reddy’s performances throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, stating that Team India should not consider leaving him out of the match which is crucial for the visitors. This comes after reports started circulating on social media that the Indian team is planning to drop Reddy for the important clash and take all-rounder Washington Sundar in his place, to pair with Ravindra Jadeja.
Reddy’s performance with the bat and ball
Though the 21-year-old has not been that impressive with ball, but with the bat, he has been a standout performer, giving his contributions in the lower-middle order. Gavaskar emphasised on the balance he brings to the side which will definitely be counted in the fourth Test match at MCG.
“They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth seamer. I can’t see India going in with just two pacers and Nitish. For me, it is pretty much this XI that plays in Melbourne,” Gavaskar said.
Especially after Ravichandran Ashwin’s surprising retirement at the end of the Brisbane Test match, the Indian Test squad is expected to see some changes in the upcoming two matches. Ashwin’s retirement has left a big gap in the spin department which needs to be fulfilled by someone equally able and efficient. But considering the seam-friendly conditions at the MCG, Reddy can prove to be the fourth seamer for the side along with pace spreadhead Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.
The only concerning thing is that the youngster has not been much effective with the ball in the ongoing series and if he’s able to keep his place, India would expect him to fire in the last two Test matches. India is likely to field two spinners – Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, given their versatility with the bat and ball. This could reduce the possibility of Reddy’s inclusion in the match as it will limit the slots available for seamers.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that he is against dropping young Indian all-rounder for the fourth Test match against Australia. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
