The selection and role of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Indian national cricket team have become a subject of intense debate, recently fueled by scathing remarks from a former captain. The ex-captain questioned Reddy's place in the squad, suggesting that his credentials as an all-rounder were overstated.

"If Nitish Kumar Reddy is an all-rounder, then I’m a great all-rounder," the former captain reportedly said. "How is he even there in Team India?" This outburst has amplified existing concerns about the team's strategy and the utilization of players with all-rounding capabilities.

Reddy's inclusion in the squad was initially seen as a move to solidify the team's balance, addressing the need for a seam-bowling all-rounder in the vein of Hardik Pandya. However, his performances and limited opportunities have led many to question whether he is indeed the right fit. Despite scoring a Test century in challenging conditions against Australia last year and having a reputation in the IPL for batting higher up the order, Reddy has often found himself batting at No. 8 and not being consistently utilized as a bowler.

This underutilization has drawn comparisons to Shardul Thakur's situation during a series in England, where he bowled sparingly, leading to questions about team selection and strategy. Similarly, concerns have been raised about whether a specialist spinner like Kuldeep Yadav could have been a better option in certain matches.

Adding to the complexity, Reddy's recent performances have been under scrutiny. In the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, despite speculations about a potential injury, Kuldeep Yadav clarified that Reddy was fit, explaining that with six bowlers in the team, some would naturally bowl fewer overs. Reddy bowled only six overs in that match.

Former chief selector MSK Prasad has also voiced his concerns, stating that Reddy's presence in the team is creating confusion. Prasad argues that Reddy is neither a complete batter nor a complete bowler, making it difficult for him to win matches for the team based on his all-round skills. He suggested that including specialist players might be a more effective strategy.

Off the field, Reddy has faced legal issues, with his former management agency filing a petition against him, seeking over ₹5 crore in unpaid dues. The dispute arose after Reddy ended his association with the agency during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and signed with a new manager. The agency claims that Reddy breached their management agreement and failed to pay outstanding dues for brand endorsements and commercial partnerships facilitated during their four-year association.

As the debate surrounding Nitish Kumar Reddy's role intensifies, the team management faces the challenge of clarifying his position and effectively utilizing his skills to justify his place in the squad. Whether he can silence his critics and establish himself as a valuable all-rounder for Team India remains to be seen.