Nitish Kumar Reddy’s debut for the Indian cricket team wasn’t exactly a dream one. The all-rounder delivered rather average performances with bat and ball, adding fuel to the fire over the speculation of him making It to the XI solely because of India losing Shivam Dube to injury right before the IND vs BAN 1st T20I. While it will be too harsh to bring the axe down on Nitish after just one game, it is also imperative for India to look at other viable options who can contribute with the bat as well.
Should Nitish Reddy be benched for IND vs BAN 2nd T20I?
Nitish Reddy managed to make 16 runs off 15 deliveries in his debut innings for India, and stayed unbeaten on the other end as Hardik Pandya wrapped up the game for India in whirlwind fashion. The all-rounder’s knock saw just one hit sailing past the boundary ropes in a game where it was raining fours and sixes. Adding insult to injury was Reddy going on to concede 17 runs in his two-over spell that he bowled against the Tigers.
How dropping Nitish Reddy can help India
In the absence of Shivam Dube, Nitish Reddy is India’s ideal option in the XI, given that he can bat and bowl, as well. However, should India decide to tinker with their XI, there are chances for Reddy to pave way for an addition – either in the batting department or in the bowling.
Firstly, benching Nitish Reddy will free up a spot for Harshit Rana, who can make his much-awaited debut. After Mayank Yadav’s show on a dream debut in Gwalior, the KKR pacer will be itching to get a go and what could be a better opportunity than the 2nd T20I. Rana will come in as a welcome pace addition to the Indian bowling attack that already comprises of Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Not to forget, Rana can deliver with the bat as well towards the end, as evident from some of his innings for KKR.
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The second option is for India to bring in Tilak Varma in place of Nitish Reddy. Varma was named as Shivam Dube’s replacement in the squad after the latter picked up an injury. The Mumbai Indians batter has a reputation for acing his role in the middle-order and is no stranger to sending the ball flying across the ropes often. Additionally, he has the experience as well, having amassed 336 runs from the 16 T20Is he has played so far. Should India decide to go with the same bowling line-up as last time, sans Nitish Reddy who bowled just two overs, then there will be room for the inclusion of Tilak Varma, who can also bowl spin.
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