Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticised India’s team selection in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: “If we are not able to find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in a team that does not have Hardik Pandya, then there is something wrong in the squad selection, seriously.”
Hardik Pandya was injured during the Asia Cup 2025 in September, which ruled him out of the Australia tour and the ODI home series against South Africa. In the current South Africa series, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been picked in place of Pandya.
However, he was not given a chance in the playing XI in the first ODI at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. India preferred to play spin-bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja instead of Nitish.
Ashwin believes that the reason for picking Nitish in Pandya’s absence is to groom him, but if he does not get into the playing XI, then there must be something wrong in the squad selection.
“Why was he picked? Because the fact that he can give what Hardik can give, and can get better over a period of time. But, if we can’t find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in this particular XI, then the squad selection must be properly reviewed.”
The second ODI will be played on Wednesday, December 3, in Raipur.
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