MUMBAI — India's promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against England due to a knee injury sustained during training, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Tuesday. The 21-year-old, who made his Test debut earlier in the series, will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Reddy's absence is a significant blow to India's squad depth, particularly given his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. The Andhra Pradesh cricketer had impressed in his debut Test, scoring a gritty 42 in the first innings and claiming two crucial wickets with his medium pace. Team India's head coach Rahul Dravid expressed disappointment over the setback, stating, "Nitish showed great character in his first outing, and his energy was invaluable. We'll miss his versatility in the remaining matches."
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
The BCCI medical team diagnosed Reddy with a Grade 2 lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear in his right knee, which typically requires 4-6 weeks of recovery. The injury occurred during a fielding drill ahead of the third Test in Rajkot. A team spokesperson clarified, "Nitish felt immediate discomfort and was pulled out of training as a precaution. Scans later revealed the extent of the damage."
Key aspects of Reddy's rehabilitation plan include:
- Initial rest period to reduce swelling
- Physiotherapy sessions focusing on range of motion
- Gradual strength-building exercises under NCA supervision
Impact on Team Composition
With Reddy unavailable, India's team management faces selection dilemmas for the final two Tests:
- Washington Sundar emerges as the primary spin-bowling all-rounder option
- Sarfaraz Khan could retain his place after an impressive debut
- Mohammed Siraj may return to bolster the pace attack
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar weighed in on the selection challenges: "Reddy's injury disrupts the balance India had found. His ability to bowl 12-15 overs and bat at No. 7 gave them flexibility they'll now have to recreate through combinations."
Reddy's Rise Through the Ranks
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Reddy, who had been making steady progress through India's domestic circuit:
- 2022-23: Top wicket-taker for Andhra in Ranji Trophy
- 2023: IPL breakthrough with Sunrisers Hyderabad
- 2024: Maiden Test call-up after consistent A-team performances
National selector Shiv Sunder Das praised Reddy's work ethic: "What stands out about Nitish is his temperament. Whether it's rescuing his state team from 50/5 or bowling crucial overs, he rises to challenges beyond his years."
Series Context and Replacement Options
With India leading the five-match series 2-1, Reddy's absence could influence team strategy for the final Tests in Ranchi and Dharamsala. The BCCI has not yet named a replacement, but sources indicate these players are under consideration:
- Saurabh Kumar (left-arm spinner)
- Akash Deep (fast bowler)
- Rinku Singh (middle-order batsman)
England's assistant coach Paul Collingwood acknowledged the significance of Reddy's absence: "He looked a proper competitor in the matches he played. While we never want to see opponents injured, it does change the dynamic we'll prepare for."
Looking Ahead
Reddy is expected to focus on recovery with an eye toward India's upcoming white-ball assignments. The BCCI stated, "Our medical team will monitor Nitish's progress closely. The priority is his long-term fitness, and we won't rush his return." His IPL franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad, has also pledged support during rehabilitation.
As the cricket community wishes Reddy a speedy recovery, his teammates prepare for the fourth Test beginning February 23. Captain Rohit Sharma remained optimistic: "Injuries are part of sport. We've built a squad where others can step up, just as Nitish did when given his chance."
The incident highlights the physical demands of modern Test cricket, particularly for all-rounders who often bear heavy workloads. Sports medicine specialist Dr. Anant Joshi noted, "Young all-rounders are especially vulnerable to these transitional injuries as their bodies adjust to the rigors of international cricket across formats."
With the World Test Championship points at stake, India will hope to overcome this setback and clinch the series. Meanwhile, Reddy begins his rehabilitation journey, determined to return stronger for future challenges in what promises to be a bright international career.