Former India batter S Badrinath has raised questions over the inclusion of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. He also appeared to take an indirect dig at head coach Gautam Gambhir while discussing the team selections. Reacting to India’s 15-member squad, Badrinath questioned the continued backing of Sundar and suggested that the all-rounder needs to make the most of the opportunities he is receiving. He also expressed doubts over Reddy’s effectiveness as a bowling all-rounder.

“At first look, the coach’s favourites are back. Washington Sundar is getting tremendous backing in Indian cricket. He needs to really make use of it,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel. Turning his attention to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Badrinath clarified that his concerns were primarily related to the youngster’s bowling rather than his batting ability. “And somehow I don’t rate Nitish Kumar Reddy so high. That’s because of his bowling. I still feel he’s a batter and not someone I rate with the ball,” he said.

Both Sundar and Reddy have been included in India’s squad for the Afghanistan T20I series, which begins in Delhi on September 13. The series comes at an important stage for India, with the team also preparing for its Asian Games gold medal defence in Japan later this month.

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Jasprit Bumrah has also been named in the squad and could return to T20I cricket after missing the recent Sri Lanka tour because of a left knee injury. Harshit Rana is another notable inclusion. However, the participation of Bumrah, Sundar, Reddy and Rana remains subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

While SBadrinath questioned the selection of Sundar and Reddy, he welcomed the possibility of Bumrah returning to the Indian T20I side. “Bumrah’s return is a huge positive,” Badrinath said.

Bumrah last played in the ODI series against England in July before his knee injury ruled him out of the Sri Lanka tour. However, Badrinath suggested that the pacer himself may have expressed a desire to return to competitive cricket after spending an extended period on the sidelines. “It could also have been that Bumrah told the management that he wanted to play these three matches. Then they have to select him. We don’t know that,” he said.

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S Badrinath further speculated that Bumrah could have spoken directly to Gambhir or the selection committee about his desire to play. “Bumrah might have spoken to Gambhir or the selection committee and said he wants to play because he hasn’t played cricket for long. So it could have been Bumrah’s option,” he added. India will begin the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 13.