Former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane believes Nitish Kumar Reddy’s absence will not make much difference for the second ODI against New Zealand. Reddy was available for selection for the series opener at Eden Park, Auckland.
However, the all-rounder was not picked in the final XI as the visitors decided to back four genuine fast bowlers and backed Axar Patel and Naman Dhir.
Reddy has been released to play for India A against New Zealand A in the third unofficial Test match to get red-ball game time under his belt.
“I don’t think his absence will make that much difference because the balance of the team they played in the first ODI was very good. Yes, Nitish Kumar Reddy is a good player. He has contributed well in T20Is, but the team combination is very good at the moment,” Ajinkya Rahane said on SonyLiv.
Rahane urged the team management to give one more chance to Auqib Nabi Dar despite Mohammed Siraj’s potential availability.
“Mohammed Siraj, who was playing with India A, will return. However, I want to see Auqib Nabi being given one more chance because Mohammed Siraj has been playing. You can back Auqib Nabi a little here. If they back Auqib Nabi for one more game, his confidence will increase,” Rahane observed.
Rahane said Siraj can be played from the third game onwards.
“Auqib Nabi might have to sit out. He should probably be given one more chance because Siraj has got game time and will play in Tests as well. You can play Siraj after that. If you back Nabi, you can make a player,” he noted.
The former Indian skipper said there is no scope for any change in the batting order.
“I don’t think there will be any changes in the batting lineup. I think they will play with the same batting lineup. There aren’t many options or places there for you to change a batter,” he replied.
The second ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at the Hnry Stadium, Wellington on Saturday.
