Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has launched sharp criticism on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for his underwhelming performance in the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Reddy made his debut for India in October 2024 and he came into spotlight as he hit a stunning century in Melbourne. Since then he has struggled to carry forward the form and turn it into big opportunity.
In the second Test, Reddy was included in playing XI in place of Axar Patel but his contribution in both batting and bowling has been very minimal. He just managed to score 10 runs by the end of Day 4 and bowled 10 wicketless overs with an economy more than 6.
Srikkanth criticised his performance openly on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka and questioned his status as an all-rounder.
“Who calls Nitish Reddy an all-rounder? Can anyone see his bowling and say he is an all-rounder? He hit a hundred at the MCG, yes – but what has he done after that? One swallow doesn’t make a summer,” said Srikkanth. He then sarcastically mentioned, “If Nitish Reddy is an all-rounder, then I am a great all-rounder.
“Let’s call a spade a spade. Does he have movement? Pace? Is he some deadly batsman? How can you call him an all-rounder?”
“How is Nitish in the ODI team also? What has he done? Is he the replacement for Hardik Pandya? Why not Axar Patel?” he said.
India faced a series whitewash by South Africa as the team lost by 408 runs. Nitish Reddy again failed in the final innings as he was dismissed for a duck and his dismal performance has come under tight scrutiny.
