Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in India’s playing XI for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati—where he replaced Axar Patel—triggered a sharp backlash from former India opener Kris Srikkanth. The ex-selector did not hold back while questioning the young cricketer’s credentials, particularly his classification as an all-rounder.
Srikkanth openly challenged the reasoning behind Reddy’s selection, expressing disbelief that he was being viewed as a multi-skill contributor. “Who calls Nitish Reddy an all-rounder? Can anyone see his bowling and say he is an all-rounder?” he asked bluntly, setting the tone for a scathing critique.
Srikkanth Questions All-Rounder Tag
Srikkanth acknowledged that Reddy’s century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was impressive, but argued that one outstanding knock cannot establish him as a dependable all-rounder at the international level. “He hit a ton at the MCG, yes — but what has he done after that? One swallow doesn’t make a summer,” he emphasized, stressing the lack of consistency since that innings.
He further ridiculed comparisons or labels suggesting that Reddy fits into India’s crucial all-rounder slot, saying, “If Nitish Reddy is an all-rounder, then I am a great all-rounder.” Pointing specifically to his bowling, Srikkanth questioned whether Reddy possessed any of the necessary attributes—swing, seam movement, genuine pace, or penetrative skill—that define a specialist or even a reliable part-time bowler at the Test level. He added rhetorically: “Does he have movement? Pace? Is he some deadly batsman?”
Through his remarks, Srikkanth implied that India may have erred in selecting potential over performance, especially when the role of an all-rounder carries significant weight in team balance.
Performance in Guwahati Fails to Impress
On-field statistics from the Guwahati Test offered little support for Reddy’s inclusion. With the bat, he managed just 10 runs in his first innings—making no substantial impact when India needed stability. With the ball, he was used sparingly, delivering 10 overs across four days.
However, he conceded runs at an economy of more than six per over, failing to trouble the South African batters or provide breakthroughs that an all-rounder is expected to deliver.
Outside of his MCG century, Reddy has yet to produce another standout performance in international cricket, and Srikkanth argued that this limited contribution makes it difficult to justify the “all-rounder” tag or his place in the XI. According to him, the team needs proven performers, not players still searching for consistency at the highest level.
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