Mumbai, India

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has explained the decision to pick rookie all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy ahead of Shardul Thakur for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Thakur had played an important role in India's series win on the last tour of Australia but Gambhir hinted that they are 'moving forward.'

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"I think we've picked the best squad who can do the job for us. We all know how incredibly talented Nitish Reddy is and if given an option, he will deliver for us," Gambhir said at press conference on Monday (Nov. 11) in Mumbai before departing for Australia.

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"And it's also about moving forward. And I feel that the best set of players, what we have selected to do the job for the country," he added.

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Thakur played just one game for India on the last tour but scored 67 crucial runs and took seven wickets during the iconic Gabba Test which helped India win their second consecutive Test series Down Under. Later that year, Thakur also scored a Test fifty in England. He last played a Test for India in December 2023 in South Africa.

As for Nitish, the up and coming player has impressed with his skills with both and ball during the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he plays for SunRisers Hyderabad.

Reddy could see himself getting an opportunity in Australia if India decide to extend their batting by cutting down a seamer. 

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India's tour of Australia begins on November 22 in Perth before the day-night second Test in Adelaide from December 6-10. The third Test will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18 before the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30. The last and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3-7.