"This fast-tracking of Nitish Reddy for Tests serves no purpose" - Dodda Ganesh labels young all-rounder as 'undercooked' ahead of 1st Test 

Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has spoken out against pushing Nitish Kumar Reddy into the first-team setup in Australia with only minimal experience to his name so far. The 21-year-old all-rounder is reportedly set to make his debut in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series in Perth as the fourth seamer.

The Andhra all-rounder was a surprise inclusion in the squad for the five-match series as he pipped the experienced seam-bowling all-rounder, Shardul Thakur. He rose to prominence with a stellar 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign for the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), and a prolific start to his T20I career, leading to his retention.

However, there is still a lot to be desired from his first-class record. In 23 matches, he has scored 779 runs at an average of 21.05. With the ball, he has 56 wickets at an average of 26.98. In the recent matches against Australia 'A', he recorded a high score of 38, while picking up a solitary wicket in four innings.

"Either pick a genuine bowler, or go with a genuine batter if you feel the batting needs to be bolstered. This fast-tracking of Nitish Reddy for Tests serves no purpose. He is still undercooked to be playing the longer format," Dodda Ganesh posted on Twitter.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's potential inclusion in the playing XI as the second all-rounder will add batting depth to the side, and could make an impression with short bursts to assist the pace trio.

---

"It's also about moving forward" - Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Nitish Kumar Reddy's inclusion

Prior to his call-up, Nitish Kumar Reddy had played the Duleep Trophy, and a Ranji Trophy encounter for Andhra as far as red-ball cricket is concerned. He did not have a memorable campaign while playing for India B. However, he began the domestic season well for Andhra.

"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. And it's also about moving forward. And I feel that the best set of players, what we have selected to do the job for the country," Gambhir had said during the press conference before leaving for Australia (via Hindustan Times).

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to begin from November 22 onwards. The first Test will be played in the Optus Stadium in Perth.