Former India batter S Badrinath has questioned the inclusion of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, while taking an indirect dig at head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Reacting to India’s 15-member squad, Badrinath questioned the continued backing of certain players, particularly Sundar, and also expressed reservations about Reddy’s credentials as a bowling all-rounder.
“At first look, the coach’s favourites are back. Washington Sundar is getting tremendous backing in Indian cricket. He needs to really make use of it,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel. Badrinath then turned his attention to Reddy, making it clear that his assessment of the youngster was primarily based on his bowling ability rather than his batting.
“And somehow I don’t rate Nitish Kumar Reddy so high. That’s because of his bowling. I still feel he’s a batter and not someone I rate with the ball,” he said.
Sundar and Nitish have both been included in India’s squad for the Afghanistan series, which begins on September 13 in Delhi. The series comes as India make several changes to their squad ahead of the Asian Games gold medal defence later this month in Japan.
The squad also includes Jasprit Bumrah, who could make his return to the T20I side after missing the recent Sri Lanka tour due to a left knee injury. Harshit Rana has also been included, with the participation of Bumrah, Sundar, Nitish and Rana subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
While Badrinath questioned the inclusion of Sundar and Nitish, he viewed Bumrah’s potential return as a major boost for the Indian team ahead of the Asian Games.
“Bumrah’s return is a huge positive,” Badrinath said.
The pacer last featured in the ODI series in England in July before a left knee injury ruled him out of the subsequent Sri Lanka tour. Badrinath, however, suggested that Bumrah’s inclusion may have been influenced by the fast bowler himself wanting to get back on the field after an extended period away from competitive cricket.
“It could also have been that Bumrah told the management that he wanted to play these three matches. Then they have to select him. We don’t know that,” he said.
Badrinath further speculated that Bumrah may have spoken directly to Gambhir or the selection committee about his desire to return.
“Bumrah might have spoken to Gambhir or the selection committee and said he wants to play because he hasn’t played cricket for long. So it could have been Bumrah’s option,” he added.
India will face Afghanistan in the first T20I in Delhi on September 13.
– Ends
