The return of Shardul Thakur ends, Nitish Kumar Reddy “ Close ” for Ind Vs Eng 2nd Test

Nitish Kumar Reddy is in line to make a return to the India Playing XI for the IND vs ENG 2nd Test in Birmingham. Reddy was one of the finds for India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, but was overlooked for Shardul Thakur in the India vs England series opener. However, with Thakur failing to make an impact, Reddy is likely to play a role he excelled in against Australia.

Nitish Kumar Reddy set for return

India’s demoralising defeat in Headingley meant that changes are in order before the IND vs ENG 2nd Test at Edgbaston. While question marks remain on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability, Shardul Thakur is set to be axed. Thakur bowled a total of 16 overs out of the 182 India bowled in the 1st Test. With the bat, he scored 1 and 4, in what was a dull comeback to the Test team.

Thakur’s usage by Shubman Gill and his struggle makes way for Nitish Kumar Reddy to return. The 22-year-old played all 5 Tests in Australia, including a century in Melbourne. However, India view Reddy as a batting all-rounder which could leave India’s bowling a little light. Given how Gill used Shardul, Reddy could be a much better option.

“He[Nitish Reddy] is very close to getting a game. Obviously, he was fantastic in Australia. We thought that in the first game, we needed a versatile bowling alley .. that we thought Shardul[Thakur] was slightly ahead of the bowling front. We would repress ourselves a few things, and Nitish is our versatile premium striker. So, I would say that he is very good at playing this test, “ Ryan Ten Doeschate said before the 2nd Ind Vs Eng

Reddy was constantly practicing with bowling coach Morne Morkel on the sidelines of the IND vs ENG 1st Test. Morkel had outlined that the 22-year-old had to bowl a lot more overs after he sent down just 26.5 in the two practice games. Reddy struggled, but so did Shardul Thakur, who played the first Test.

His addiditon would likely help India with bat in hand. India suffered two collapses in Leeds which eventually cost them the Test. Adding Nitish to the mix gives them a genuine batting option at No.8.