Former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar urged India to retain all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies. Reddy bowled only four overs against the Windies and also didn’t get a chance to bat in the first innings.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said they are looking to develop Reddy as an all-rounder. The Dutchman added they are likely to play with the same winning team.
Abhishek Nayar said on the Star Sports show Game Plan, “He is a young player. He has shown, especially in Australia, and he played two matches in England as well, that he can become a capable all-rounder in this format. I believe the more you play him, the more assurance he will get. You have to give him a chance,” he responded.
The former Mumbai batter urged the team’s think tank to promote Reddy in the batting order if the match situation demands.
“You might have to send him up the order in batting, but it will depend a lot on the match situation. However, he is your future, and when you play against South Africa, you will play with almost the same team combination, where he will be your third fast-bowling all-rounder. So he should be encouraged,” Nayar observed.
On the other hand, Nayar added that Ravindra Jadeja won’t bat lower than the number six position. Jadeja scored an unbeaten knock of 104 runs in the first innings at Ahmedabad and continued his rich form.
“This team has become like that. Wherever you bat anyone, they would score runs. He is the vice-captain now. He will say he won’t go below this. This is his chance to score runs and make his numbers even stronger. He is batting with responsibility,” he replied.
“A different kind of Ravindra Jadeja was seen in this (last) match. He started with a six and hit fours. He started aggressively, and after that, he drove the vehicle in the third gear. The hard work he has done after the Champions Trophy is visible, whether it’s his bowling or batting,” Nayar observed.
The second Test match between India and the West Indies will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi from Friday.
