Nitish Reddy Under Fire: India Coach’s Brutal Assessment Sparks Selection Debate

IND vs NZ: 'Not doing a lot'- India coach throws Nitish Reddy under the bus

When a national coach publicly says a player is “not doing a lot,” it’s not just feedback—it’s a red flag. And in the high-stakes world of international cricket, that kind of language from India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate about all-rounder Nitish Reddy has sent shockwaves through the fanbase and media alike .

Following India’s second ODI loss to New Zealand in Pune, ten Doeschate didn’t mince words. While addressing the press, he acknowledged that Reddy—despite being handed multiple chances in the playing XI—has failed to make a tangible impact with either bat or ball. This unusually blunt assessment raises serious questions: Is Nitish Reddy’s place in the squad secure? And more broadly, is India misreading its own talent pipeline in white-ball cricket?

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What Doeschate Said About Nitish Reddy

In his post-match press conference, ten Doeschate was remarkably direct. “He’s had opportunities,” the coach stated, referring to Reddy. “But at the moment, he’s not doing a lot.” The phrasing—deliberately vague yet damning—suggests a growing frustration within the coaching staff .

This isn’t just about one poor innings or an expensive over. It’s about a pattern. Reddy, a promising all-rounder from Hyderabad known for his power-hitting and handy medium pace, was fast-tracked into the national setup following strong domestic and IPL performances. But on the international stage, he’s struggled to convert potential into results.

Nitish Reddy Performance: A Closer Look

Let’s be fair: breaking into the Indian ODI side is no small feat. Yet, Reddy’s recent outings tell a concerning story:

  • In the first ODI, he scored just 8 runs and went wicketless with figures of 0/42 in 7 overs.
  • In the second ODI, he managed only 5 runs before being dismissed cheaply, bowling just 3 overs without taking a wicket.
  • Across both matches, his economy rate hovered around 6.00—acceptable but unremarkable in modern ODI cricket where impact all-rounders are expected to dominate.

Compare this to other emerging all-rounders like Washington Sundar or even Shardul Thakur in similar roles, and the gap becomes evident. Reddy hasn’t yet shown the match-winning spark that justifies his selection over more consistent performers .

Broader Team Concerns from the Coaching Box

Ten Doeschate didn’t stop at Reddy. He also hinted that India may have misjudged the Pune pitch conditions, suggesting the team might have needed “an extra spinner” instead of relying heavily on seamers . This admission points to a deeper tactical miscalculation—one that could haunt them if they don’t adapt quickly for the series decider.

Additionally, he noted captain Rohit Sharma’s lack of recent match practice as a factor in his subdued batting form. While not an excuse, it highlights how rust can affect even the most experienced players when they’re coming off a break.

KL Rahul and Jadeja Offer Glimmers of Hope

Amid the criticism, there were bright spots. KL Rahul continued his rich vein of form, anchoring the innings with composure and offering valuable flexibility in the batting order. His ability to open or bat at No. 4 makes him indispensable in the current setup [INTERNAL_LINK:kl-rahul-form-analysis].

Meanwhile, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja received a vote of confidence from the coaching staff. Despite not taking many wickets recently, ten Doeschate emphasized that Jadeja’s bowling is “improving” and remains a key strategic asset due to his control and variations .

What This Means for India’s Playing XI

The coach’s comments signal a potential shake-up. If Reddy fails to deliver in the third ODI, expect selectors to look elsewhere—possibly bringing back Kuldeep Yadav for that “extra spinner” or giving someone like Rinku Singh another chance in the middle order.

More importantly, this episode underscores a shift in India’s coaching philosophy: meritocracy over reputation. Ten Doeschate, known for his no-nonsense approach during his playing days with Essex and the Netherlands, appears unwilling to carry passengers—even promising ones.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Reddy—and Indian Cricket

Ryan ten Doeschate’s candid remarks about Nitish Reddy aren’t just about one player. They’re a wake-up call. In an era where global cricket demands immediate impact, potential alone isn’t enough. Reddy now faces a career-defining moment: step up in the final ODI or risk being left behind as India builds toward the 2027 World Cup.

For fans and analysts alike, this transparency—however uncomfortable—is a sign of a coaching staff committed to excellence, not just harmony. And in the long run, that’s exactly what Indian cricket needs.

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