Nitish Reddy released from India's squad for Kolkata Test

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from India's squad for the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. The all-rounder will instead join the India A side for the one-day series against South Africa A in Rajkot, scheduled between November 13 and 19. He will return to the senior squad in time for the second Test in Guwahati, starting November 22.

Even though India have recently spoken about grooming Reddy at home for future overseas tours, a plan that meant consistent opportunities, the all-rounder barely got a real shot at his role against West Indies. He bowled just four overs on a green track in the first Test in Ahmedabad, where India sent down 44.1 and 45.1 overs across the two innings, and didn't bowl at all in Delhi, where the team spent far longer in the field. Reddy also got a brief batting stint at No.5, but the 54 balls he faced didn't do much to strengthen his case for retention.

His release comes as little surprise given that his spot was the most vulnerable in the squad, one likely to be taken by Dhruv Jurel. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in outstanding form, fresh off twin unbeaten centuries against South Africa A, adding to his hundreds against West Indies in Ahmedabad and Australia A in Lucknow.

Jurel had earlier kept wickets in Rishabh Pant's absence during the home series against West Indies, with Pant recovering from a foot injury sustained in England. Now fit and available to reclaim the gloves, Pant's return alongside Jurel's rich form adds to India's selection clarity ahead of the series opener.

"I don't think you can leave him [Jurel] out for this Test, is the short answer," Ryan ten Doeschate, India's assistant coach, said on Wednesday (November 12). "But obviously, you can only pick XI as well, so someone else will have to miss out. I think we've got a pretty good idea of the combination. And given the way Dhruv's gone in the last six months and scoring two 100s in Bangalore last week, he's certain to play this week."