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India’s promising all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, is poised to make his Test debut in the first Test against Australia at the iconic WACA in Perth, starting on November 22, 2024. The young player, who recently earned his maiden Test call-up, is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s setup.
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Gautam Gambhir’s Faith in Nitish Kumar Reddy
Reports from Indian Express suggest that India head coach Gautam Gambhir has been impressed with Reddy’s work ethic and has decided to give him the opportunity to debut in one of cricket’s most challenging conditions. With Perth’s traditionally fast and bouncy pitch favoring seamers, the management sees Reddy as a key addition to their bowling lineup.
A Seam-Bowling All-Rounder for India
Nitish Kumar Reddy is being considered as a fourth seam bowling option, mirroring the role of Hardik Pandya in previous Test setups. His inclusion aims to strengthen the team’s balance, providing both bowling depth and lower-order batting stability.
With regular skipper Rohit Sharma unavailable for the first Test due to personal reasons, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side, further emphasizing the need for an all-rounder like Reddy to support the bowling attack.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Journey
Reddy has already proven himself across formats:
- IPL 2024: Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, he scored 303 runs and claimed three wickets, showcasing his all-round abilities.
- First-Class Cricket: He has an impressive record with 21 matches, including a century, two fifties, and 56 wickets to his name.
- International Debut: Reddy made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2024, where he impressed with a fifty in just his second game.
His consistent performances in domestic cricket and IPL have drawn praise, earning him a spot in India’s Test squad.
India’s Seam Attack for the 1st Test
While Reddy is set to debut, the rest of India’s pace attack for the first Test remains a point of speculation. Alongside Jasprit Bumrah, options include:
- Mohammed Siraj
- Harshit Rana
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
Though there were earlier reports suggesting Mohammed Shami might join the squad, it appears the BCCI has asked him to continue gaining match practice through domestic games.
A Bright Opportunity for Reddy
As India faces a formidable Australian side on their home turf, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Test debut could be a game-changing addition. With a packed schedule ahead, including the remaining four matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the young all-rounder has a golden chance to cement his place in India’s red-ball setup.
All eyes will be on Perth as India seeks to start the series on a strong note, backed by fresh talent like Reddy and seasoned campaigners like Bumrah.
