When discussing Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in India’s ODI team for their white-ball series against New Zealand, former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath could not hold back. Badrinath pointed out that the Men in Blue already had two all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, and that the in-form Ruturaj Gaikwad could have easily been used in Reddy’s place.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy is a member of the team in addition to Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, who are both all-rounders.
Why he’s on the side is beyond me. He is pounded everywhere with the ball, despite the fact that they claim he is an all-rounder. It has been hard on Ruturaj Gaikwad. Why is Nitish Kumar Reddy on the team and why is he not? “The selection of Nitish Kumar Reddy over Ruturaj Gaikwad is the only issue,” Badrinath said in a video posted to his YouTube page.
To highlight his dissatisfaction with his removal, the former middle-order player highlighted Gaikwad’s recent performance in List A cricket as well as his overall record in the format.
“Because there was no room at the top, they sent him at number four against South Africa, and he reacted with a hundred. After that, he takes advantage of any chance to smash runs in List A cricket for enjoyment. With 5,000 runs and an overall List A average of above 57, he has amassed two hundred and a half in six innings. “Nobody has a record like that,” he continued.
Currently playing for Maharashtra in the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Gaikwad made a century in the second ODI of the series against South Africa. His current scores are 38*, 28, 124, and 66.
The white-ball series between India and New Zealand will start on January 11. Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore will host the ODIs. Five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) will be played starting on January 21 after the three 50-over matches.
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