Nitish Kumar Reddy for Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Anil Kumble reveals reason

Anil Kumble explained why Nitish Kumar Reddy's maturity in white-ball cricket may have earned him a spot in India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Nitish was part of the 18 members selected for the series down under in November.

In Short

• Nitish has played 21 first-class matches, scoring 708 runs and taking 55 wickets
• Kumble claimed Nitish's inclusion was a surprise
• Doull feels India wants Nitish to repeat Shardul's 2020-21 heroics in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Anil Kumble feels that the maturity Nitish Kumar Reddy has shown in his white-ball cricket could be the reason why he got the nod to be in the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. India has selected an extensive squad of 18 players, along with three traveling reserves, for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy—the first of its kind since the 1991-92 season. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has crafted a balanced lineup, with robust backup options for fast bowlers and the inclusion of a fast-bowling all-rounder to add depth and versatility.

Nitish was part of the Test squad as a travelling reserve during India’s home series against New Zealand. With Hardik Pandya unavailable, India has been on the lookout for a capable fast-bowling all-rounder to fill the gap. Speaking to JioCinema, Kumble said that the 21-year-old was a surprise inclusion for him, but admitted that the all-rounder is a very promising talent given his skills with bat and ball.

"Nitish Kumar is the surprise. He hasn't played that much first-class cricket or anything to write about in terms of stats. He is a very promising talent. He bowls pace and is a good batter. He has shown the kind of maturity in pressure situations in white-ball cricket. So, perhaps that's a reason why they're taking him," said Kumble.

Looking for a Shardul Thakur with Nitish Reddy

During the 2020-21 BGT series in Australia, Shardul Thakur played a handy role in the final match as he scored 67 and picked 7 wickets. Simon Doull feels that India is looking for a similar output from Nitish. The former cricketer said that India has been looking for an all-rounder, who can bowl 10 to 15 overs in a day and bat at No.7 or 8.

Doull feels such an all-rounder will be a bonus for India in Australia.

"They're looking for a Shardul Thakur with Nitish Kumar Reddy. That's kind of what they're after. That type of performance. And he has got that to offer. That's something that India, not always missed, but looking for. When you got to Australia, you need someone to bowl 10 to 15 overs in a day and can bat at 7 or 8. That will be an absolute bonus. I like the selection of the squad," said Doull.

Nitish has played 21 first-class matches so far and has scored 708 runs and picked up 55 wickets. In his 3 T20Is so far, the 21-year-old has scored 90 runs and picked up 3 wickets.