“Use A Specialist Batter?” – R Ashwin Questions India’s Strategy After 2nd WI Test

Ravichandran Ashwin raised questions about India’s use of star all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy following the second Test against the West Indies, which India won to seal a 2-0 series victory. Nitish bowled only four overs in the first Test and did not bowl at all in the second.

Ashwin criticized the team’s handling of all-rounders, suggesting that if Nitish isn’t given enough bowling responsibility, India might be better off playing a specialist batter instead. He also mentioned that Axar Patel could be a more balanced option as an all-rounder who contributes with the bat as well.

“If this is Nitish Reddy’s role, I feel you can play a specialist batter or a bowler. You could play Axar Patel. What less has he done? He has been a match-winner. When does Nitish Reddy come into play? I am not saying you play an extra bowler, play a specialist batter only then. Axar has done much better than Nitish in this role,” he said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’.

Axar has featured in 14 Tests for India, amassing 646 runs at an average of 35.88, including four half-centuries. With the ball, he has claimed 55 wickets at an impressive average of 19.34. Ashwin acknowledged Nitish as a talented batsman but emphasized the need for greater clarity regarding the role of medium-pace bowling all-rounders in the team.

“Axar Patel has the best defense against spin, so if you’re not using him, especially when choosing between Siraj, Bumrah and a second seamer, then Nitish can play for batting depth, otherwise I don’t see a point. Nitish is a fine batter but there could a bit more role definition.”

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Performance In Tests For India

Nitish Kumar Reddy made his Test debut for India against Australia in Perth in 2024 and has featured in nine matches so far. With the bat, he has scored 386 runs at an average of 29.69, including one century. The 22-year-old has bowled just 76 overs across 13 innings, averaging roughly six overs per innings.

He has taken 8 wickets at an average of 39.62. As Ravichandran Ashwin noted, Nitish has been underutilized as a bowler, and it will be interesting to see how India deploy him in the upcoming Tests.