Photo via The Times of India

‘When are you going to play him?’: Ex-batter questions decision to bench Nitish

Former India opener Aakash Chopra criticized the team’s selection strategy after Nitish Kumar Reddy was left out of the opening T20I against the West Indies in Lucknow. India secured an eight-wicket victory, bowling out the visitors for 171 before chasing down the target in 32 balls.

Chopra questioned the decision to exclude Reddy, asking when the team plans to include him, while acknowledging the strong debut of Naman Dhir, who took three wickets in four overs, including key dismissals of Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, and Shamar Springer. Dhir’s ability to adjust his bowling after conceding a six—by altering pace and line—impressed Chopra, who praised his tactical execution and all-round potential.

Despite the win, Chopra also faulted the West Indies’ batting for failing to capitalize on favorable conditions, with only Hope (52) and Sherfane Rutherford (56) providing significant resistance. India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav (2/33) and Axar Patel (2/26), played crucial roles in restricting the opposition to a modest total.

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