Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has made a bold claim on Nitish Kumar Reddy's role as he felt his time at No.7 in the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test 2024-25 will be his last in this position in Test cricket.
Nitish Kumar Reddy's scintillating Test century in the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has won the heart of Ravi Shastri, who believes the young Indian all-rounder should move up the batting order in the first 6.
Ravi Shastri calls for Nitish Kumar Reddy's move into Top 6 after historic century in Boxing Day Test at MCG
Ravi Shastri pointed out that Nitish's batting in the top 6 would provide better balance to the Indian cricket team and allow the team to include an additional bowler in Test cricket.
While Reddy was solid with the bat, the former Indian captain pointed out that the young all-rounder did not have the same impact with the ball during the debut Test series in Australia.
Reddy's resilience in the ongoing Boxing Day Test was crucial for India. His 105* from 176 balls helped India reach 358/9 by the end of Day 3, although they still trail Australia by 116 runs.
With Mohammed Siraj at the other end, Reddy will look to continue his aggressive play in the first session on Day 4 with the aim of adding some quick runs and taking India closer to Australia's total.
Ravi Shastri amazed by Nitish Reddy's batting heroics at MCG
Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri suggested that Nitish Kumar Reddy's heroics at the MCG will mark the last time he bats at No. 7. The commentator believes that Reddy's outstanding ability with the bat should propel him into the top 6, where his skills would provide a better balance for India. align.
By moving Reddy up, the Indian cricket team could include a fifth bowler, which would give India an edge in taking all 20 wickets. Reddy's move to a higher batting position is seen as a game-changer and Shastri believes the change would not only strengthen India's batting but also allow the team to develop a more complete playing XI for the Test of the Year New.
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You go to the Sydney Test with Reddy batting in the top 6 and playing five bowler: Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri said live at the MCG: “I feel the way he has batted, this is the last time he will bat at 7. To get the side balanced, he has to go higher up the order, either 5. or 6 and then you have the opportunity to play 5 bowlers to take the 20 wickets.
And he gave that kind of confidence to the selectors and the team management and the captain. Reddy is fully capable of batting in the top 6. Then it changes the entire balance of the game. You go to Sydney with him batting in the top 6 and play five bowlers.”
Notably, Nitish Kumar Reddy made history in the ongoing fourth Test by becoming the first visiting batsman to score a Test century at the MCG while batting at No. 8. He also became the sixth with the number 8 achieving this feat against Australia.