IND vs NZ: Gautam Gambhir Criticizes Team Management Over Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Bench Role

Despite being repeatedly selected for India in the absence of Hardik Pandya, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has only played 2 ODIs and 4 T20Is so far. Questions are now being raised about why he continues to be overlooked in the playing XI.

Gambhir Points Out Disconnect Between Selectors and Management
Ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand, former cricketer and team analyst Akash Chopra criticized Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir over Reddy’s limited opportunities. “If Nitish is being selected, he should be given a chance to play in the XI. Otherwise, picking him only to sit on the bench makes no sense,” Chopra said.

He added, “Despite being part of squads across formats, Nitish’s exclusion shows a lack of alignment between the selectors and the team management. It also raises questions about the match-day strategies and planning of the team.”

‘Future Planning’ or Missed Development?
Chopra highlighted the first ODI in Vadodara, where three specialist fast bowlers were included, yet Reddy was again left out. “This isn’t just a selection call. It reflects the rationale of picking a player in the name of ‘team balance’ or ‘future planning,’ without giving him the game time he needs to develop as an all-rounder,” Chopra said.

He further questioned the basis of Reddy’s selection: “I still don’t understand what Nitish Kumar Reddy has done to deserve a place in the team. Whenever a squad is announced, his name appears. Every time, the explanation is that we need an all-rounder. But as an all-rounder, he hasn’t been entrusted with a full batting role nor used effectively as the fourth bowling option.”

Missed Opportunities Across Series
Chopra listed several instances from Tests to ODIs where Reddy could have contributed but wasn’t utilized. “In Ahmedabad, he was in the team but not allowed to bat, and only bowled 5-6 overs. The same happened in Delhi. Even in the South Africa series, where there was dew and spinners got little assistance, Nitish wasn’t used. In Vadodara, the same story repeated. He was left out of the playing XI yet again.”

The criticism underscores growing concerns over Team India’s selection strategies and whether players like Nitish Kumar Reddy are being set up for meaningful development or simply included for squad numbers.