Ravi Shastri predicts last Test match for Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 7 after MCG heroics

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has made a bold demand about Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role, as he felt that his time at number 7 in the ongoing fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test will be the last time in that position in Test cricket.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s delightful maiden Test century in the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has won the heart of Ravi Shastri, who believes that the young Indian all-rounder should move up the batting order to the top 6.

Ravi Shastri calls for Nitish Kumar Reddy's move to the Top 6 following a historic century in the Boxing Day Test at MCG

Ravi Shastri has emphasized that Nitish batting in the top 6 would provide better balance to the Indian cricket team and allow the team to include an additional bowler in Test cricket.

While Reddy has been solid with the bat, the former Indian captain has pointed out that the young all-rounder has not made the same impact with the ball during his debut Test series in Australia.

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Reddy’s resilience in the ongoing Boxing Day Test has been crucial for India. His 105* runs from 176 balls helped India reach 358/9 by the end of Day 3, although they still trail Australia by 116 runs.

With Mohammed Siraj at the other end, Reddy will look to continue his aggressive play in the first session of Day 4, aiming to add some quick runs and bring India closer to Australia’s total.

Ravi Shastri in awe of Nitish Reddy's batting heroics at the MCG

Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri has suggested that Nitish Kumar Reddy’s MCG heroics will mark the last time he bats at number 7. The commentator believes that Reddy’s remarkable ability with the bat should propel him into the top 6, where his skills would provide better balance to India’s lineup.

By moving Reddy up, the Indian cricket team could include a fifth bowler, which would give India the edge in taking all 20 wickets. Reddy’s shift to a higher batting position is seen as a game-changer, and Shastri feels this change would not only strengthen India’s batting but also enable the team to field a more well-rounded playing XI for the New Year’s Test.

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You go to Sydney Test with Reddy batting in the top 6, and you're playing five bowlers: Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri said on-air at the MCG: “I feel that the way he's batted, this is the last time he will bat at 7. To get the balance of the side, you need him to go higher up the order, either 5 or 6 and then you have the opportunity of playing 5 bowlers to take the 20 wickets.

And he's given that kind of confidence to the selectors and the team management and the captain. Reddy is fully capable of batting in the top 6. Then it changes the whole balance of the game. You go to Sydney with him batting in the top 6, and you're playing five bowlers.”

Notably, Nitish Kumar Reddy made history in the ongoing fourth Test, becoming the first visiting batter to score a Test century at the MCG while batting at No. 8. He also became the sixth number 8 batter to achieve this feat against Australia.