Indian allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been eliminated from the current England tour following a knee injury caused while working out in the gym on Sunday. Scans have indicated ligament damage, meaning he will be missing from the critical fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, starting on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
How Nitish Kumar Reddy Got Injured
The accident occurred while Nitish Kumar Reddy was undergoing his fitness training. According to reports, the accident occurred on Sunday during a gym session, and a medical checkup revealed a ligament injury in his knee, which forced him to pull out of the remaining series.
Influence on Team India’s Selection Strategy
This recent setback joins India’s increasing number of injury woes. Fast bowlers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are also said to be nursing injuries that may keep them out of contention for the fourth Test. Anshul Kamboj has thus been brought in as a replacement seam-bowling option.
Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah’s workload is still being handled with caution. After playing in the first and third Tests, Bumrah will likely return to play the Manchester encounter after an eight-day layoff post-third Test.
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Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Performance in the Series
Nitish Kumar Reddy debuted in the second Test of the series after missing the opener in Leeds. Though his contribution in Birmingham was small, just two runs scored and wicketless in six overs, he played a big role in the third Test at Lord’s.
Reddy sent both England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley packing in the same over in the first innings and then got rid of Crawley again in the second innings. He also played a useful hand with the bat, scoring 30 and 13 runs, laying down his credentials as a seam-bowling allrounder.
Who Could Replace Nitish Kumar Reddy
With Nitish Kumar Reddy eliminated, India can consider recalling Shardul Thakur, who appeared in the inaugural Test. India has had a seam-bowling allrounder in their lineup at all times during the series, and Thakur’s experience can fill the gap.
Dhruv Jurel might also be considered, particularly if Rishabh Pant is still hobbling with a finger injury and has to bat solely.
Series Context: England Lead 2-1
England are leading the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-1 at present, but the fourth Test will be a crucial one for the Indians. India will be looking to stage a serious comeback despite their growing injury worries.
The injury to Nitish Kumar Reddy is a big blow to India’s preparations before the fourth Test. With the performance at Lord’s, Reddy was considered for a place in Manchester. His absence, among other fitness issues, compels India into team reorganization as they seek to level the series against a strong England team.
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