Former Indian captain turned analyst Kris Srikkanth questioned the inclusion of batting all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the team for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The Indian team will play against New Zealand in three ODIs at home, starting January 11 as well. With Hardik Pandya rested for the series, the management added Reddy as a potential like-for-like replacement. He has played only two ODIs so far.

Reacting to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said: “I am not sure what Nitish Kumar Reddy has done. How is he looked at as an all-rounder? He won’t be given the ball at all as teams will smash him everywhere. I don’t understand the logic behind this. How’s he a replacement for Hardik Pandya? Hardik Pandya can play in the 11 only as a bowler or a batter and as a fielder too. Whereas can Nitish Kumar Reddy fit into the team as a pure bowler? Will you ever give him three or four overs on the trot? Even if he has to bowl just five or six overs, how will he do it? There’s no scope.”

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Kris Srikkanth also believes India could have added Axar Patel as another all-rounder instead of Nitish Kumar Reddy as well. Meanwhile, the squad already has two spin-bowling all-rounders – Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as well.

“I don’t know how they keep pushing him as an all-rounder. I am not even sure his track record in domestic cricket is that good. Instead of Nitish Kumar Reddy, they could have picked Axar Patel. He’s also an all-rounder and is the vice captain also in T20Is. What mistake did Axar Patel make? He has been very good and consistent. Suddenly, you’ve left him out of the squad,” Kris Srikkanth concluded.