BIRMINGHAM (July 2, 2025) – Rising Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has earned a coveted place in Team India’s playing XI for the second Test against England at Edgbaston. After a notable debut series in Australia and promising showings in recent fixtures, the 22‑year‑old from Visakhapatnam was handed a startling early surprise,
dismissed for just one run by Chris Woakes off a peach of a delivery from the English pacer.
India’s selectors made a bold call, opting to rest standings spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and include Reddy alongside Washington Sundar and Akash Deep as they sought a richer lower‑order blend. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate underlined their strategy: “Nitish is our premium batting all‑rounder at the moment…”.
Team Strategy & Selection Drama
| Perspective | Take |
|---|---|
| Ten Doeschate | Pushed for deeper batting by including two all‑rounders, eyeing dry conditions and added spin . |
| Morne Morkel (Bowling Coach) | Emphasised Reddy’s bowling workload in England absent full‑strength pace battery . |
First‑Day Action: Bowls Early, Falls Quickly
Reddy walked in with India at 208 for 4, following strong partnerships from Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Shubman Gill (50). Facing Chris Woakes, Reddy fell for a lively delivery that rapped the off‑stump, offering only a solitary run — a sobering start for the youngster.
Nevertheless, team management reaffirmed their faith in his capability, citing his proven temperament and wide-ranging skill set.
Cricket pundits and former players have mixed views:
Ravi Shastri and other experts lamented the exclusion of Bumrah, stating that ⬜ “it might cost the visitors”.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel remains optimistic about Reddy’s evolving bowling, emphasizing the need for consistency.
The selection signals a strategic pivot to test Reddy’s mettle under pressure, with the Edgbaston pitch expected to support seamers and spinners alike.
Born May 26, 2003 in Visakhapatnam, Reddy has quickly advanced from domestic Debut (2020) to test heights. His Test stats:
5 matches, 298 runs at an average of 37.25, including a debut century (No. 8) in Australia.
5 Test wickets, bowling workhorse with figures of 264 deliveries and 5 wickets at 38.00.
Strong T20I credentials: 90 runs @ 45.00, and 3 wickets @ 23.66.
In the IPL, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, Reddy’s 2024 breakout earned him a ₹6 crore retention for 2025. Fitness concerns limited his bowling workload, according to coach Daniel Vettori.
India closed at 208/4, solid recovery built on Jaiswal’s 87 and Gill’s composed 50.
England struck early via Woakes, claiming Reddy and others in quick succession.
England’s added spinner, Shoaib Bashir, also claimed Pant, keeping India in check.
India must now assess whether Reddy can endure the pressure, bounce back with the bat, and deliver key overs. His all‑round pedigree is expected to add depth, but the lamented absence of Bumrah brings scrutiny.
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