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Why Ashwin Questions Nitish Reddy's Role, Backs Axar Patel Instead

Ravichandran Ashwin has raised serious questions about Nitish Reddy's selection in India's Test team against West Indies. He pointed out that Reddy bowled only four overs across two matches despite West Indies posting big scores. The veteran spinner strongly advocated for Axar Patel instead, highlighting his proven match-winning abilities. Ashwin's comments spark important discussion about team balance and role clarity ahead of India's next Test assignment.

Key Points: Ashwin Questions Nitish Reddy Selection Backs Axar Patel

  • Ashwin questions selecting all-rounder who bowled just four overs in series
  • Suggests specialist batter or proven all-rounder Axar as alternatives
  • Notes Axar's superior batting average and wicket-taking record
  • Highlights need for clearer role definition in team selection
2 min read

Ravichandran Ashwin questions Nitish Reddy's selection, backs Axar Patel for all-rounder role

Ravichandran Ashwin questions Nitish Reddy's limited role in West Indies Tests, argues Axar Patel offers better all-round value for India's playing XI.

"If this is Nitish Reddy's role, I feel you can play a specialist batter or a bowler. You could play Axar Patel. What less has he done? - Ravichandran Ashwin"

New Delhi, October 14

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has raised questions over the inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's playing XI during the recently concluded second Test against the West Indies.

India won the series, whitewashing West Indies 2-0.

Reddy, who bowled only four overs in the first Test and was not given a single over in the second, had a limited role throughout the series. West Indies posted 390 in their second innings, but he was not given the ball by captain Shubman Gill.

Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, expressed his concerns about Reddy's selection, stating that India could have opted for a specialist batter or a proven all-rounder like Axar Patel instead.

"If this is Nitish Reddy's role, I feel you can play a specialist batter or a bowler. You could play Axar Patel. What less has he done? He has been a match-winner," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat.

Ashwin questioned the logic behind selecting an all-rounder who barely contributes with the ball.

"When does Nitish Reddy come into play? I am not saying you play an extra bowler, play a specialist batter only then. Axar has done much better than Nitish in this role," he added.

"Axar Patel has the best defense against spin, so if you're not using him, especially when choosing between Siraj, Bumrah and a second seamer, then Nitish can play for batting depth, otherwise I don't see a point. Nitish is a fine batter but there could a bit more role definition," he noted.

Axar has played 14 Tests so far for India and has scored 646 runs at an average of 35.88 with four fifties. With the ball he has picked up 55 wickets at an average of 19.34.

Whereas Reddy has played nine Test matches and scored 386 runs at an average of 29.69 with one hundred. With the ball, he has picked up eight wickets at an average of 39.62

His backing of Axar Patel, who has delivered consistent performances with both bat and ball, adds further weight to the discussion ahead of India's next Test assignment.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows cricket closely, I feel we should trust the team management's decisions. Maybe they're looking at long-term development of Nitish Reddy. Not every decision needs to be questioned immediately.
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Priya S
Axar Patel's stats speak for themselves! 55 wickets at 19.34 average is brilliant. Plus he's a reliable batsman. Don't understand why he's being overlooked. 🤔 Hope selectors are listening to Ashwin's expert opinion.
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Michael C
While I respect Ashwin's views, let's not forget we won the series 2-0. The team combination worked, so maybe the selectors know what they're doing. Nitish might be getting groomed for bigger challenges ahead.
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Ananya R
Exactly my thought! When West Indies scored 390 in second innings and Nitish didn't bowl even a single over, what was the point of having him as an all-rounder? Axar would have definitely contributed more. Team selection needs more clarity.
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Vikram M
Ashwin bhai always speaks sense! Axar has been a match-winner for India in crucial moments. His stats are far superior to Nitish. Hope the selectors take note before important series like Australia tour. 🏏

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