Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on India’s selection puzzle ahead of the upcoming Test series against South Africa, and he hasn’t minced his words. According to Ashwin, India does not need pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for this high-stakes away tour. Instead, the team should back in-form wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel to strengthen the middle order.

Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, highlighted that Jurel’s current touch is too good to ignore. The youngster has been in exceptional red-ball form, accumulating centuries with ease and displaying a level of maturity that India desperately needs in overseas conditions.

“There can be no debate around Sai Sudharsan. Dhruv Jurel should walk into the side, lower down the order. You don’t need Nitish Kumar Reddy because you have two pacers and three spinners. Someone who is in good form must be utilised,” Ravichandran Ashwin noted.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, despite being a part of India’s XI in the recent home series against the West Indies, struggled to make any meaningful impact. In the series opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium, he bowled only four overs across two innings and didn’t even get a chance to bat.

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In the Delhi Test that followed, he managed a handy 43 but, once again, remained underutilised with the ball as India relied heavily on their frontline attack. His limited contribution, coupled with his injury-prone history, has raised legitimate questions about his immediate place in Tests, especially in a series where India must maximise every batting and bowling slot.

Ashwin believes the South Africa tour requires sharper, form-driven selections. He pointed to Jurel’s performance during England’s 2024 tour, especially his memorable knock in Ranchi, as proof of his temperament. The youngster also hammered twin hundreds against South Africa A recently, including one under tremendous pressure, further strengthening his case.

With Rishabh Pant still working his way back into the whole Test rhythm, Jurel has already proven he can step up as both a reliable gloveman and a proactive middle-order option. His recent run of scores — 140, 1, 56, 125, 44, 6*, 132*, 127* — reads like a player hitting his peak at precisely the right moment.

Ravichandran Ashwin also touched on India’s spin combination for the two-Test series, both of which will be played in the East, where the pitches are expected to assist turn. For him, the trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar is almost locked in. With that combination, Ashwin feels Axar Patel is unlikely to find a place unless Jadeja sits out.

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“You shouldn’t pick Axar just because he is in good touch. Conditions will dictate the balance. With Bumrah and Siraj certain to lead the pace attack at Eden Gardens, the five-bowler combination already looks set,” he added.

With big decisions looming, Ashwin’s clarity provides an intriguing look into India’s selection mindset — one that might tilt in favour of Jurel’s sensational form over Reddy’s all-round promise.