Former India captain and ex-chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has launched a scathing critique of the national team's selection, questioning the inclusion of young fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
Srikkanth's Blunt Assessment of Reddy's Role
In a candid discussion on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth expressed bewilderment at Reddy's selection, directly challenging the perception of him as a viable all-rounder. "I am not sure what Nitish Kumar Reddy has done. How is he looked at as an all-rounder?" Srikkanth asked. He went further, predicting a tough outing for the youngster with the ball, stating, "He won’t be given the ball at all because teams will smash him everywhere."
Srikkanth drew a sharp comparison with the injured star Hardik Pandya, whose absence has created a void in the team. He emphasized that Pandya earns his place as a genuine three-dimensional player—a batter, bowler, and fielder. In contrast, he doubted Reddy's ability to be trusted with a full bowler's quota. "Will you ever give him three or four overs on the trot? Even if he has to bowl just five or six overs, how will he do it? There’s no scope," Srikkanth added.
Axar Patel: The Suggested Alternative
The former selector proposed a clear alternative, pointing to the omission of left-arm spinning all-rounder Axar Patel. Srikkanth argued that Patel, who is also the vice-captain in the T20I setup, has proven his worth with consistent performances. "Instead of Nitish Kumar Reddy, they could have picked Axar Patel... What mistake did Axar Patel make? He has been very good and consistent. Suddenly, you’ve left him out of the squad," he remarked.
Srikkanth also cast doubt on Reddy's domestic track record, adding to his argument against the selection logic. His comments have ignited a fresh debate on selection policies and the criteria for labeling a player as an all-rounder at the international level.
Chopra's Counterpoint on Future Planning
While Srikkanth questioned Reddy's credentials, former cricketer Aakash Chopra raised a different but related concern. Taking to social media platform X on Saturday, Chopra focused on the practical aspect of squad management. He wondered how the team plans to build for the future if a player like Reddy, picked as Pandya's potential backup, perpetually remains on the bench.
"Also, if NKR is indispensable…why doesn’t he get a game?" Chopra wrote. "How can you get future-ready (Pandya’s absence) when he’s always warming the bench?" This highlights the ongoing dilemma for the team management: balancing immediate series requirements with long-term development.
The full India squad for the New Zealand ODI series, announced on January 4, 2026, is led by Shubman Gill and features the return of senior batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. It also includes Rishabh Pant as a backup wicketkeeper and pace bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh.
