Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has hailed Nitish Kumar Reddy as India’s most consistent batter in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Despite his outstanding form, Chopra believes it is unlikely that Reddy will be promoted in the batting order during the series.
India is currently competing against Australia in the third Test of the five-match series in Brisbane. The rain-curtailed opening day saw Australia at 28 without loss by stumps on Saturday, December 14.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra responded to a query about whether Reddy should bat higher up the order. The former Indian opener acknowledged Reddy’s performance but highlighted the challenges of reshuffling the lineup.
“There is definitely a temptation to promote him because of how well he is batting,” Chopra remarked. “At this moment, he is probably India’s best batter. No one else is showing the same level of confidence. However, the question is: whose place does he take? The openers are set, followed by Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Rohit Sharma. There simply isn’t room to fit him in higher,” he explained.
Reddy’s Consistent Performances in the Trophy
Nitish Kumar Reddy has delivered remarkable performances in the series so far. He scored 41 runs in India’s first innings during the opening Test in Perth and followed it with an unbeaten 38 in the second innings. In the second Test at Adelaide, he top-scored for India in both innings with knocks of 42 runs each.
Reddy was promoted from No. 8 to No. 7 during the second Test, but Chopra remains skeptical about moving him further up the order.
“Suited to Lower Middle Order” – Chopra
In the same discussion, Chopra pointed out that Reddy’s current batting role aligns with his natural game.
“The way he bats is most effective in the lower-middle order. We don’t know how he will adapt if promoted. While there’s no doubt about his abilities, there’s also no vacancy in the top six,” Chopra said.
Chopra added that although Reddy defends skillfully and plays with elegance, India’s current lineup leaves no room for adjustment.
Depth in India’s Batting Order
Chopra emphasized that Reddy might have to remain content with his current role at No. 7. He praised India’s batting depth in the ongoing Brisbane Test, highlighting Ravindra Jadeja’s presence at No. 8, which allows the team to maintain balance.
“Reddy looks like someone who could comfortably slot into the top five, but that’s not feasible right now. For the time being, he will need to shine from his current position,” Chopra concluded.
Final Thoughts
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s outstanding contributions in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have solidified his reputation as one of India’s finest batters in the ongoing series. However, the strength and structure of the current lineup make it challenging to accommodate him higher in the order. For now, Reddy continues to be a vital asset in India’s lower-middle order, where he has consistently delivered under pressure.
SOURCE: Sportkeeda.com
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