“When does he come into play?” - Ravi Ashwin questions an Indian player’s role in the Indian Test team

Former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin has questioned the Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role in the Indian Test team. Notably, his comments came after India’s 2-0 series win over the West Indies at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin asserted that India should’ve gone with a specialist batter or a bowler. He also felt that the Indian team management should’ve included a proven all-rounder like Axar Patel instead. 

"If this is Nitish Reddy's role, I feel you can play a specialist batter or a bowler. You could play Axar Patel. What less has he done? He has been a match-winner," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel "Ash ki Baat."

"When does Nitish Reddy come into play? I am not saying you play an extra bowler; if not, play a specialist batter only. Axar has done much better than Nitish in this role," he added.

"Axar Patel has the best defense against spin. So, if you're not using him, especially when choosing between Siraj, Bumrah, and a second seamer, then Nitish can play for batting depth; otherwise, I don't see the point. Nitish is a fine batter, but there could be a bit more role definition," he observed.

While Reddy batted at No.5 in the first innings of the second Test, scoring 43 runs in 54 balls, he wasn't handed the ball. On the other hand, he didn't get a chance to bat in the first Test in Ahmedabad.

While Axar has played 14 Tests, accumulating 646 runs at an average of 35.88 with four fifties, he has picked up 55 wickets at an average of 19.34. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy has played nine Tests, amassing 386 runs at an average of 29.69 with one century, and he has pocketed eight wickets at an average of 39.62.

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