India’s cricket team is sharpening its focus on home‑grown talent as the second Test against the West Indies heads to New Delhi.
Captain Shubman Gill told reporters that the next step for the young all‑rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is to get more game time on Indian pitches.
His debut test series started in Ahmedabad, where Reddy bowled just four overs and did not get a chance to bat. Gill said that giving Reddy the chance to bowl 10‑15 overs and contribute runs in the second match is key for his growth.
The Indian board recognises Reddy’s future overseas, especially on fast tracks in places like Sri Lanka and New Zealand in 2026. But Gill points out that a player can only develop when his rhythm is built in home conditions first.
“Using him in the second Test lets us see how he performs under pressure,” he said, adding that the team will choose where he bats based on the match situation.
Reddy has already shown flashes of promise. In his first eight Tests he scored three scores in the 40‑range and hit his maiden century in Australia at the MCG. He has also taken wickets of big names in England and Australia.
Gill noted that during the World Test Championship run it is vital for India to field the strongest XI. “We want to play the best eleven possible at every game,” he said. “Prasidh Krishna would play if the opportunity arises.”
While India’s spinners are expected to dominate on the dry surface at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Gill also wants to keep the option of seam bowlers open. He pointed out that even after lunch when the ball might sharpen, a seam option could still be viable. “We’ll adjust tactics based on how the pitch behaves,” Gill said.
Another player under the microscope is left‑handed batter B Sai Sudharsan. He has had a mixed start to his Test career, with a single‑digit loss in Ahmedabad to a swinging ball. But Gill remains optimistic. “He’s a long‑term fit for the number three spot,” he said. “Young players need more matches to find consistency.”
Gill finished by praising veteran all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja. “Jadeja’s fielding and batting make a huge difference at number six,” he said. “His experience and shot‑selection are priceless on the spinning tracks.”
With the Test series underway, all eyes will be on how the Indian cricket team balances domestic talent with overseas preparation, and whether Reddy’s promise translates into regular selections for the upcoming tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Source: ianslive
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