IND vs SA 2025: ‘Nitish Kumar Reddy likely to miss first Test’ – Indian assistant coach provides updates on playing XI

Ryan ten Doeschate, the Indian team’s assistant coach, has suggested that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy may have to make way for the in-form Dhruv Jurel in the first Test against South Africa. Jurel has been in excellent form, scoring two century in the recent second unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A.

Indian faces a selection conundrum ahead of the home series, which will see the return of star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant from injury.

While Pant is likely to immediately return to the playing XI, his comeback calls into doubt the status of several middle-order players. Jurel and Reddy both played in India’s two-match home Test series against the West Indies when Pant was absent. Ten Doeschate recognised that, given the team composition, Reddy is unlikely to keep his place in the playing XI.

“Our position hasn’t changed on Nitish. He didn’t get a chance in Australia. But looking at the challenge here, I think he’ll miss out from the XI this week,” Ten Doeschate said in a pre-match press conference as quoted by RevSportz.

“Very important to balance the batting depth and specialist bowlers. We don’t want to sacrifice someone just to bring in an all-rounder for the sake of it,” he added.

The assistant coach emphasised that Jurel’s current form justifies his inclusion in the playing XI, even though India’s wicketkeeping role is already secured with the return of Pant. The pair have featured together for India only once, when Jurel first broke into the side during Pant’s recovery from a major injury, and Jurel soon reverted to a backup role once the senior keeper regained full fitness.

“I don’t think you can leave him (Jurel) out of this Test. Someone will have to miss out. That’s a simple answer. He is certain to play this week. I’ll be surprised if we don’t see Dhruv and Rishabh play together,” Ten Doeschate said.