Indian 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 played an important role in India’s victory on the last tour of Australia, but Gambhir hinted that they were “moving forward”.

“I think we have chosen the best team that can do the job for us. We all know how incredibly talented Nitish Reddy is and if given the chance, he will deliver for us,” Gambhir said during a press conference Monday, November 11. ) in Mumbai before leaving for Australia.

“And it’s also about moving forward. And I think this is the best group of players, the one we have selected to do the job for the country,” he added.

Thakur played just one match for India in the last tour but scored a crucial 67 runs and took seven wickets in the iconic Gabba Test which helped India win their second series consecutive tests 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 promising player has impressed with his skills with both and the ball in 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 his batting by bringing down a seamer.

India’s tour of Australia begins on November 22 in Perth before the second day-night 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 to 7.