Former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane believes Team India will not face significant difficulties due to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s absence from the remaining matches of the ODI series against New Zealand. While acknowledging the all-rounder’s contributions during the preceding T20I series, Rahane expressed confidence in India’s current team combination and suggested that the management should avoid making unnecessary changes.
India registered a convincing five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the rain-affected first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday, November 4. The second match of the five-game series is scheduled to take place in Wellington on Saturday, November 7. During a discussion on SonyLIV ahead of the second ODI, Rahane was asked whether Reddy’s unavailability could affect India’s balance. The former India batter dismissed those concerns, pointing out that the playing XI looked well-balanced in the series opener.
“I don’t think his absence will make that much difference because the balance of the team they played in the first ODI was very good. Yes, Nitish Kumar Reddy is a good player. He has contributed well in T20Is, but the team combination is very good at the moment,” Ajinkya Rahane said.
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The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain also shared his thoughts on India’s bowling combination, particularly the possibility of Mohammed Siraj returning to the playing XI. Although Siraj could become available after his India A commitments, Rahane wants the management to give young pacer Auqib Nabi another opportunity.
“Mohammed Siraj, who was playing with India A, will return. However, I want to see Auqib Nabi being given one more chance because Mohammed Siraj has been playing. You can back Auqib Nabi a little here. If they back Auqib Nabi for one more game, his confidence will increase,” he explained.
Rahane further suggested that Siraj could be brought back into the side from the third ODI onwards, considering his experience and upcoming commitments in Test cricket. Auqib Nabi finished with figures of 0/33 from six overs in the first ODI. Although he failed to pick up a wicket, he could have provided India with an early breakthrough had Naman Dhir not dropped Tim Seifert’s catch off his bowling.
Ajinkya Rahane also addressed the possibility of Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ishan Kishan featuring in the second ODI against New Zealand. However, he does not expect the Indian management to make any changes to its batting combination for the upcoming fixture. “I don’t think there will be any changes in the batting lineup. I think they will play with the same batting lineup. There aren’t many options or places there for you to change a batter,” Rahane stated.
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He added that India could experiment with its batting order after the third ODI, when certain players leave the squad for the upcoming Test assignments. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul will not be available for the final two ODIs against New Zealand. Consequently, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan could get opportunities in the playing XI during the closing matches of the series.
