Team India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, suggested that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy could be left out of the playing XI to make room for the in-form Dhruv Jurel in the opening Test against South Africa. Jurel has been in exceptional form, scoring twin centuries in the recent second unofficial Test between India ‘A’ and South Africa ‘A’.
The Indian team faces a selection dilemma ahead of the home series, with star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant returning from injury. While Pant is set to reclaim his spot in the lineup, his inclusion has created uncertainty over the roles of other middle-order players.
In Pant’s absence, Jurel scored his maiden Test hundred, while Reddy struggled as the third seamer against the West Indies. Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged that Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to miss out on selection because of the team’s current combination.
“Our position hasn’t changed on Nitish. He didn’t get a chance in Australia. But looking at the challenge here, I think he’ll miss out from the XI this week,” the assistant coach said in a pre-match press conference (via Rev Sportz).
“Very important to balance the batting depth and specialist bowlers. We don’t want to sacrifice someone just to bring in an all-rounder for the sake of it,” he added.
Nitish Kumar Reddy recently participated in India’s white-ball tour of Australia as the pace-bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya’s absence. However, he suffered a left quadriceps injury during the ODI series and missed the rain-affected T20I matches.
Ten Doeschate Backs Dhruv, Rishabh Playing Together In IND vs SA 1st Test
Ryan ten Doeschate believes Dhruv Jurel’s current form justifies his selection in the playing XI, even though Rishabh Pant has reclaimed India’s primary wicket-keeping spot. The two have only featured together once since Jurel’s introduction, during Pant’s recovery from a significant injury, after which Jurel returned to a backup role once Pant regained full fitness.
“I don’t think you can leave him (Jurel) out of this Test. Someone will have to miss out. That’s a simple answer. He is certain to play this week. I’ll be surprised if we don’t see Dhruv and Rishabh play together,” Ryan ten Doeschate added.
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