Aakash Chopra questions Shubman Gill over strange tactics in IND vs WI 2025 2nd Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra was left surprised after Indian skipper Shubman Gill didn’t use the services of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as a bowler in the second Test match against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. India registered a comprehensive seven-wicket win as they chased down 121 runs with ease on Tuesday.

However, Reddy didn’t bowl a single over in the second Test. The right-hander was promoted to number five in the first innings, and he was dismissed after scoring 43 runs. Reddy had bowled a total of four overs in the first innings of the opening Test at Ahmedabad but didn’t bowl in the second essay.

Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo, “I don’t know, seriously. He didn’t bat in the last game. He didn’t bowl in this game. That’s another aspect that eventually came to light. Initially, you might understand, but then comes a time in a Test match when you say, ‘I have tried everything and everyone enough number of times from both ends. I’ve done whatever I could, and there’s still no success. So, why not try Nitish Kumar Reddy?

“He is a batter who bowls and he is playing as an all-rounder. So, if he is playing as an all-rounder, then his job is, at some stage, to actually bowl. Him not bowling a single over was baffling to say the least, the 48-year-old went on to add.

Meanwhile, the renowned commentator questioned what would be Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role in the next Test match against South Africa. 

He added, “That would also put a question mark on the selection as and when you are picking the next side. One Test match, he’s locked in at No. 8 and if he gets to bat at No. 5, he doesn’t bowl. What do we do with that No. 6 slot come the Test matches against South Africa?”

India will next take on Australia in a three-match ODI series, starting Sunday.