Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has voiced strong criticism of the Indian team management’s selection strategy for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
Gavaskar expressed particular concern over the omission of seasoned spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, coupled with the inclusion of 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was fast-tracked into the playing XI.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, a seam-bowling all-rounder, was handed his Test cap by Virat Kohli ahead of the match, with head coach Gautam Gambhir backing the move as a forward-thinking decision.
However, Reddy’s selection led to the inclusion of only one frontline spinner, Washington Sundar. Gavaskar criticized the exclusion of Ashwin and Jadeja, pointing out their vast experience and ability to bring control in challenging conditions.
“Really surprised with Ashwin and Jadeja not playing. They’ve got 900 wickets between them in Test matches. They are not bowlers who can just play in Indian or sub-continent conditions. They are very clever, very experienced bowlers. Even if they might not get you wickets, they will be able to slow the scoring down because of the cleverness of how they bowl,” Gavaskar said during commentary.
Gavaskar also questioned the readiness of Nitish Kumar Reddy for the demands of Test cricket. The young all-rounder has limited first-class experience and struggled to make an impact during the Duleep Trophy and unofficial Test series against Australia A.
“He has not played many first-class games, so clearly, this selection of Nitish is more in hope, nothing less. Like all Indian cricket followers, I hope it comes off,” Gavaskar added.
Gambhir defended Reddy’s selection, describing it as a bold step aligned with the team’s long-term vision. However, the Indian team has found itself in a precarious position in the match, reeling at 93/6 after opting to bat first.
Gavaskar highlighted the value Ashwin and Jadeja could have brought to the team, even in seam-friendly conditions. “On these Australian wickets with big boundaries, I thought you would have gone with both of them. But this is a new management, new thinking. They have gone with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is a promising cricketer, make no mistake about that. But is he ready for Test cricket?” Gavaskar remarked.
The first day’s play has already raised questions about India’s strategy, with debutant Reddy yet to bowl and the seasoned duo of Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel fighting to stabilize the innings. As the game unfolds, the pressure will be on both Reddy and the Indian management to justify the controversial decisions.
