Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar made a huge statement on Nitish Kumar Reddy’s absence in the fourth Test match against England. Manjrekar stated that Reddy’s absence won’t create much imbalance in the playing XI, adding that it might benefit from replacing him with a specialist batter.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remaining two Test matches of the ongoing series after sustaining a left knee injury. The 22-year-old will return to India to begin his recovery, as confirmed by the board. Reddy scored 43 runs and took three wickets over both innings in the third Test at Lord’s.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Absence Won’t Create Much Imbalance – Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that Nitish Kumar Reddy had limited impact with the ball in the previous match. Manjrekar added that India should consider replacing Reddy with a specialist batter, citing the team’s batting collapse during the second innings at Lord’s.
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“I do not think it will create much imbalance or the Indian team will suddenly become weak because Nitish Kumar Reddy helped as a bowler in the last match but Akash Deep was off colour. I do not think Nitish not being there will create much imbalance,” Manjrekar said.
“Maybe India should replace him with a pure batter because we have seen collapses in the previous game, and we were slightly short of batting in that run-chase,” he added.
There Might Be Cloudy Conditions at Old Trafford – Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar feels that the Manchester pitch could favour Prasidh Krishna’s style of bowling. However, Manjrekar added that India should go with Anshul Kamboj to form a pace trio alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
“There might be cloudy conditions at Old Trafford. Then you need simple bowlers there. Maybe Prasidh Krishna is better suited if there is bounce on the pitch and he is slightly experienced as well. But if he is out of the team based on his form, then bringing him back on the same form does not make sense,” Manjrekar said.
India Battling Several Injuries Ahead of the Fourth Test
India are battling several injuries ahead of the fourth Test, with fast bowlers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh ruled out. The team has added uncapped pacer Anshul Kamboj, who could make his Test debut.
Kamboj has impressed with his performances in domestic cricket. He took 34 wickets in just six matches at an impressive average of 13.79 during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy. Overall, he has taken 79 wickets from 24 first-class matches at an average of 22.88.
The young pacer also featured for India A ahead of the main series. Prasidh Krishna, who played the first two Tests but was dropped due to poor form, remains another option. However, the team is likely to back Kamboj, considering both his recent form and potential.
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