HYDERABAD: Nitish Reddy repays Gambhir’s trust with composed 43 in Delhi Test

HYDERABAD: India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy justified the team management’s faith with a crucial 43 on Day 2 of the second Test against West Indies in New Delhi on Saturday. His 91-run stand with captain Shubman Gill helped India consolidate after the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Promoted up the order at No.5

Following India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate’s remark that the team wants to develop Reddy as a seam-bowling all-rounder for overseas tours, the management decided to promote the Andhra cricketer to No.5 after he did not bat in the Ahmedabad Test.

Reddy came to the crease early on Saturday and initially took his time to settle before counter-attacking. He was dropped on 20 by Anderson Phillip, then struck two sixes and a four off spinner Jomel Warrican before top-edging one after a 54-ball stay.

Maturity earns praise

Though short of a half-century, Reddy’s 43 was marked by maturity and intent. His partnership with Gill prevented a possible West Indies comeback and ensured India maintained control. Social media users praised his approach, noting that such innings “build trust and shape future overseas heroes”.

India declare at 518/5

India declared their first innings at 518/5, with centuries from Jaiswal (175 off 258) and Gill (129 not out off 196), while Sai Sudharsan contributed 87. For West Indies, Warrican was the most successful bowler, taking 3 for 98.