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Robin Uthappa supports Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Test selection, citing his rare all-rounder skills and India’s focus on nurturing pace-bowling talent.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection in the Indian Test side is being debated (Picture credit: AFP)
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has said that Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection is understandable, despite his inconsistent performances in red-ball cricket, adding that although he hasn’t shone in first-class cricket, he is one of those rare all-rounders who can bowl fast and bat as well, which makes him deserving.
Reddy, who made his India debut in the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, has struggled to make an impact in recent red-ball games at home. However, Gautam Gambhir’s preference for backing all-rounders has created an opening for him.
Reddy has seen limited use as a bowler in home conditions and with the bat, he managed scores of 43, 10 and 0 in his last three innings. He struggled to handle pressure in crucial moments against South Africa in Guwahati, putting his place in the team under scrutiny.
“Yes, there are a few that you can really back with talent. I understand Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection. He has not really done in first-class cricket, but here comes an all-rounder from India who can bowl fast and bat well as well and that, in India, comes very few and far between,” Uthappa said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
Reddy’s Test career has had a mixed start. Since his debut in November last year, he has scored 396 runs at an average of 26.40 across 10 games, including a maiden hundred (114), while making contributions with the ball as well, showcasing promise as a developing all-rounder.
Uthappa said that Reddy’s selection highlights India’s effort to fast-track rare pace-bowling all-rounders. He added that, similar to how former India captain MS Dhoni backed Ravindra Jadeja despite him not being ready, Reddy is being developed with a long-term vision in mind.
“So, you want to fast-track him and give him the opportunity at the highest level, you want to nurture the talent and see if that can be developed into something over a period of time,” Uthappa said.
“A lot like what was done with Jadeja. He probably was not ready for Tests, but Mahi persisted with him,” Uthappa added.
November 28, 2025, 20:47 IST
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