Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in the Indian team for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. India’s main all-rounder Hardik Pandya has not been included in the squad as he was not deemed fit to bowl his quota of 10 overs by the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Thus, the selectors have rested him, keeping his workload in mind.

Meanwhile, Reddy didn’t bowl a lot in the Test series against the West Indies and bowled only 10 overs in the second Test against South Africa. 

Srikkanth said Reddy is not a like-for-like replacement for a quality all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, and the teams will smash him everywhere.

Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “I am not sure what Nitish Kumar Reddy has done. How is he looked at as an all-rounder? He won’t be given the ball at all as teams will smash him everywhere. I don’t understand the logic behind this. How’s he a replacement for Hardik Pandya? Hardik Pandya can play in the 11 only as a bowler or a batter and as a fielder too.”

“Whereas can Nitish Kumar Reddy fit into the team as a pure bowler? 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 said the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel could have picked spin all-rounder Axar Patel in the ODI series against the Kiwis.

“I don’t know how they keep pushing him as an all-rounder. I am not even sure his track record in domestic cricket is that good. Instead of Nitish Kumar Reddy, they could have picked Axar Patel. He’s also an all-rounder and is the vice captain also in T20Is. What mistake did Axar Patel make? He has been very good and consistent. Suddenly, you’ve left him out of the squad,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

The first ODI between India and New Zealand will be played on 11th January.