“إنه ليس هارديك بانديا”: منتخب الهند السابق يشعر بالقلق إزاء “تجربة الكرة الحمراء” لنيتيش ريدي قبل مباراة IND vs AUS

Former India cricket team chief selector MSK Prasad has voiced concerns over all-rounder Nitish Reddy being picked for IND vs AUS series Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Andhra Pradesh cricketer has been roped in to the squad, keeping in mind his ability to serve as a back-up pacer and batter. The ex-selector questioned Nitish Reddy’s red-ball experience while drawing a parallel with Hardik Pandya to justify why he shouldn’t be on a plane to Australia.

“Nitish Reddy is not Hardik Pandya”

Speaking to Star Sports, MSK Prasad reckoned that while Nitish Reddy could come of use as a bowler, he couldn’t deliver 140+ kmph deliveries like Hardik Pandya. He feels that the all-rounder hasn’t played the red-ball format enough. The former selector said that he hopes Nitish Reddy makes good use of the India A matches scheduled to be played in Australia before the start of IND vs AUS Test series.

“But he is not Hardik, who bowls at 140. He just bowls at 125 to 130kmph. And maybe they could have…I just a little concerned with his experience in red-ball cricket because he hasn’t played the format enough. He did take about 25 wickets in a few of the last domestic seasons, but still, I’m concerned,” MSK Prasad said.

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The Andhra Pradesh cricketer is already gearing up for the IND vs AUS Tests and is a part of the Ranji Trophy team. He played in the game against Gujarat after he was released from India’s traveling reserves amid the IND vs NZ series and was directed to participate in Ranji Trophy. Now, he is a part of the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India A side which will tour Australia before the senior men’s team begin their campaign on November 22.

India’s strong pace attack for IND vs AUS series

India boast of a strong battery of pacers spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah. The attack comprises of Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. To provide more depth and options, the squad also has Navdeeo Saini, Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar as traveling reserves. The Men in Blue have stuck with just three spinners for the tournament – Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.