IND vs AUS: Nitish Kumar Reddy makes a last-minute entry for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is emerging as a strong contender for a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. The five-member national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is seriously eyeing Reddy as a seam-bowling all-rounder for India’s much-anticipated tour Down Under.

Team India’s intent is to bolster their bowling depth, especially for a grueling tour of Australia, where they will play five Tests from next month. Nitish Kumar Reddy recently made his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh and impressed one and all with both bat and ball.

Nitish Kumar Reddy ready for Test debut on Australia tour

Now, the Indian selectors are considering the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder as a key player for the Australia tour, according to a report by the Indian Express. The final call is expected to be taken after the second Test between India and New Zealand in Pune, starting on October 24.

The report further revealed that India’s senior selection committee is set to meet in Pune after the second India vs. New Zealand Test to decide on the Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. And Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to be picked in the Test squad.

Meanwhile, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team is all set to leave for Perth on November 10—four days after the end of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. The Indian team will include a large contingent, considering the demanding five Tests in Australia for more than two months.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur vying for the same spot in the Test squad

India will leave for Peth with at least four net bowlers to support them in Down Under. On the other hand, Shardul Thakur, the hero of India’s famous Gabba Test victory in 2022, is also in consideration for the Test series in Australia.

Shardul Thakur, who has recently returned from injury and is playing for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25, is aiming for a Test comeback. However, his last appearance for India was during the tour of South Africa in December 2023.

The Indian Express report stated: “It is understood that it could well come down to Reddy and Thakur vying for one spot. Reddy is seen as an all-rounder for the future who has the potential to even play long format.”

Reddy will audition for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 spot during India A games

The competition between Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy could be fierce for a spot of all-rounder in India’s Test side. Reddy, reportedly seen as an all-rounder for the future, offers immense promise, especially with his ability to bowl 10-15 overs a day—a key factor the Indian selectors are assessing during the upcoming India A series against Australia.

Notably, Reddy will feature in two first-class matches on October 31 and November 7, where his workload management will be closely monitored by the team management and the selectors. Moreover, he has a golden opportunity to impress the team management in an intra-squad practice game ahead of the first Test against Australia in Perth.

As for Thakur, the India all-rounder’s consistent performances in domestic cricket and his proven track record in Australia make him a strong contender. However, the 33-year-old is now facing tough competition from Reddy, who represents the next generation of India’s seam-bowling all-rounders.