Ravichandran Ashwin slams Nitish Reddy's selection over Axar Patel

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Nitish Reddy's place in the Test team, especially after the recently concluded India vs West Indies home series. Notably, Nitish Reddy debuted during the Border-Gavaskar Series as an all-rounder and has been regularly present in the team.

However, he was rarely used as a bowler but was handy as a batter, as he had proven his worth in the BG Series. Even during the West Indies Series, Reddy was not given a single over in the second innings despite the West Indies piling up 390 runs. 

 Questioning the entire setup, Ashwin remarked that if Reddy is being selected solely for batting, why don't they get a specialized batter. And for an all-rounder, Axar Patel has already proved his abilities. Ash said in his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat,

"If this is Nitish Reddy's role, I feel you can play a specialist batter or bowler. You could play Axar Patel. What less has he done? He has been a match-winner."

He further asked,

"When does Nitish Reddy come into play? I am not saying you need an extra bowler; if not, then play a specialized batter only. Axar has done much better than Nitish in this role."

Read also: "Kept coming again and again," Ashwin praised Md Siraj for his tireless efforts at Kotla against WI

Ashwin highlights Axar Patel's strength

Speaking about Axar Patel's capabilities, Ashwin said that the Gujarat-based spinner has a great defense against spin. Trying to justify the current combination, he feels that Reddy is justified only when a second seamer is there along with Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. Ash said,

"Axar Patel has the best defence against spin. So, if you’re not using him, especially when you have Siraj, Bumrah, and a second seamer, then Nitish can play for batting depth. Otherwise, I don’t see the point. Nitish is a fine batter, but there could be a bit more clarity on his role."

Notably, Axar has featured in 14 Tests for India, scoring 646 runs at 35.88, including four fifties, and claiming 55 wickets at 19.34. Nitish, in nine Tests, has scored 386 runs at 29.69 with a century and taken eight wickets at 39.62.