Nitish Kumar Reddy to make debut in 1st BGT 2024-25 Test in Perth: Reports 

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is reportedly set to make his debut in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Perth which begins on November 22. According to The Indian Express, the team wants to play him as the fourth seamer and use his skills on the pacy Perth Stadium pitch.

The report also said that Jasprit Bumrah will lead India because Rohit Sharma is unlikely to travel to Australia in time for the first Test. Rohit and his wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed a baby boy recently and he is said to have asked for some time with his family.

Reddy will have a massive responsibility on his shoulders if he does make his Test debut. The 21-year-old has just played 23 first-class matches for Andhra Pradesh, scoring 779 runs and picking up 56 wickets.

He made his name by winning the Emerging Player of the Year award in IPL 2024 and promptly earned three T20I caps. Though he looks ready as a batter, with the technique and temperament to bat long under pressure, his bowling isn't a finished product. The key would be in what phases and situations India use him.

India have always liked the extra cushion of an all-rounder in Australia. In the last series, Shardul Thakur played that role. However, he has now dropped down the pecking order due to issues with fitness and form and isn't in the squad.

Reddy will deliver for us: Gautam Gambhir ahead of the series

According to the onlookers in Australia, Gambhir was seen chatting with Reddy for a long time. Before the series, the coach spoke highly about the youngster.

“The decision to pick Reddy ahead of Shardul is also about moving forward. I think we’ve picked the best squad who can do the job for us. We all know how incredibly talented Nitish Reddy is and if given an option, he will deliver for us," he had said.

The first Test kicks off at 7:30 am IST on Friday.