Former India pacer Varun Aaron believes that Nitish Kumar Reddy is unlikely to feature in India’s playing XI for the third Test against England. According to him, the team may not require Nitish Kumar Reddy‘s batting services since both Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar made significant contributions with the bat in the second Test.
Nitish Kumar Reddy might not be a starter at Lord’s- Varun Aaron
India registered a commanding 336-run victory over England in the second Test at Birmingham on Sunday, July 6, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. The third Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Thursday, July 10.
Speaking on Star Sports’ ‘Follow the Blues’ show, former cricketer Varun Aaron suggested that Nitish Kumar Reddy might miss out on selection for the Lord’s Test, as he had a limited impact with both bat and ball in the previous match.
“Obviously, they (India) are going to take immense confidence going
into Lord’s. There is not going to be much focus on practice because every
single bowler and batter has spent time in the middle, except Nitish
Kumar Reddy, who I think might not be a starter at Lord’s,” he said.
The former India fast bowler also mentioned that Prasidh Krishna could retain his spot in the playing XI, as the team management might opt for a four-seamer strategy alongside two spinners, led by Shubman Gill.
“India might not need the extra batting now with Washi and Jaddu
batting really well. Also, with (Shubman) Gill praising Prasidh (Krishna)
towards the end, could be a small hint he has dropped that Prasidh could
play. They could go with a four-fast-bowling attack and two really good
spinners to back it up,” Aaron observed.
Nitish Kumar Reddy managed just two runs across both innings and failed to take a wicket in the six overs he bowled during the second Test. With Jasprit Bumrah expected to return to the lineup, Prasidh Krishna — who claimed only one wicket in Birmingham — could be the one to miss out if India decides to stick with a three-seamer combination.
Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Era Begins
During the same discussion, Varun Aaron remarked that India’s victory in the second Test marks the beginning of a new chapter under Shubman Gill’s leadership.
“There is a lot of history to be made. This is just the start of this Indian
team. I think this is just the start of the era of Shubman Gill. He has played
like a true champion, like a true leader, and the amount of responsibility
he has taken, and he has turned that responsibility into results,” he said.
Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep Shine in Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence
In addition to applauding Shubman Gill for his stellar performance both as a batter and captain in Birmingham, Varun Aaron also lauded the pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. He commended their efforts in dismantling the English batting lineup on a batting-friendly pitch, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
Shubman Gill amassed a remarkable 430 runs across both innings in the Test, while Akash Deep recorded impressive match figures of 10 for 187 from 41.1 overs. Mohammed Siraj contributed significantly as well, claiming seven wickets for 127 runs in 31.3 overs.
India’s dominant win in the second Test at Birmingham not only showcased Shubman Gill’s emergence as a strong leader but also highlighted the depth in India’s pace attack, with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj stepping up in Bumrah’s absence. However, with key players like Bumrah likely to return, changes in the playing XI—such as the exclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy—seem probable for the third Test at Lord’s.