Varun Aaron suggests potential changes in India’s playing XI for ENG vs IND 2025 3rd Test, says Nitish Kumar Reddy might miss out

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy might not be a starter in the third Test match against England at Lord’s. Reddy replaced Shardul Thakur in the second Test at Edgbaston but failed to create any impact.

The right-hander was dismissed after scoring one run apiece in the second Test. Furthermore, he went wicketless in the first innings after bowling six overs and didn’t bowl any overs in the second essay. 

India’s wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant dropped a tough chance of Harry Brook off Reddy’s bowling when the right-hander was on 121 in the first innings.

“Obviously, they (India) are going to take immense confidence going into Lord’s. There is not going to be much focus on practice because every single bowler and batter has spent time in the middle, except Nitish Kumar Reddy, who I think might not be a starter at Lord’s,” Varun Aaron said on Star Sports show Follow the Blues.

Aaron feels Prasidh Krishna could keep his place despite the return of gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

“India might not need the extra batting now with Washi and Jaddu batting really well. Also, with (Shubman) Gill praising Prasidh (Krishna) towards the end, could be a small hint he has dropped that Prasidh could play. They could go with a four-fast-bowling attack and two really good spinners to back it up,” Aaron observed.

Meanwhile, India registered a massive win of 336 runs in the second Test to level the series. Aaron, the former lanky pacer, added that this is the start of Shubman Gill’s era and backed the youngster to shine with captaincy responsibility on his shoulder.

“There is a lot of history to be made. This is just the start of this Indian team. I think this is just the start of the era of Shubman Gill. He has played like a true champion, like a true leader, and the amount of responsibility he has taken, and he has turned that responsibility into results,” he said.

Aaron also hailed the fast bowling duo of Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, who collectively took 17 wickets in the second Test.

“Him, Siraj and Akash Deep, especially in the absence of Bumrah, have been incredible. On a wicket that was as flat as this, our bowlers have just outbowled the English side completely. They have got wickets by themselves. They have not depended on the batters to get themselves out, but they have actually bowled the batters out,” Aaron elaborated.

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Lord’s, London from 10th July onwards.