Ravichandran Ashwin has openly questioned India’s squad selection for the ongoing South Africa series, highlighting the continued lack of gametime for Nitish Kumar Reddy despite India’s win in Ranchi. Nitish, who was drafted in as Hardik Pandya’s replacement, once again remained unused in the first ODI, raising eyebrows about the selection committee’s planning and clarity.
During the Australia tour selections earlier this year, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had clearly stated that Nitish was brought in to fill Hardik’s all-rounder role. However, the Andhra cricketer played only two ODIs before being benched for the final match of the series.
In the T20Is that followed, an untimely injury ruled him out completely, preventing him from making any meaningful contribution. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin did not mince words, stating that something is fundamentally flawed if Nitish cannot find a place in the XI when Hardik Pandya himself is unavailable.
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“If we are not able to find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in a team that does not have Hardik Pandya, then there is something wrong in the squad selection, seriously,” Ravichandran Ashwin said, calling for a deeper review of the selection framework.
Ashwin further stressed that Nitish possesses the rare balance of skills Hardik brings to the side—middle-order stability, seam-bowling utility, and the ability to influence matches under pressure. He believes Nitish will only improve with consistent exposure, making his omission from the Ranchi ODI even more puzzling.
“Why was he picked? Because he can give what Hardik can give and improve over time. But if we can’t find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in this XI, then the squad selection must be properly reviewed,” Ravichandran Ashwin added.
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Since making his India debut in 2024, Nitish has featured across all three formats but has struggled to secure a stable role. Many fans and experts feel that even when selected, the team management has not fully utilised his potential as a genuine all-rounder. So far, he has played 16 international matches, yet his career remains stop-start due to inconsistent opportunities.
