Kolkata, November 12, 2025:
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has confirmed that Nitish Kumar Reddy is unlikely to feature in the playing XI for the upcoming India vs South Africa 1st Test at Eden Gardens, starting November 14. The Andhra Pradesh all-rounder, who last played in the ODI series against Australia, continues to recover from a quadriceps injury and may have to wait longer for his Test return.
Nitish Kumar Reddy to sit out in Kolkata
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Ten Doeschate hinted that the team combination for the Kolkata Test doesn’t favor Nitish’s inclusion. He stated that while the management values Nitish’s potential, the conditions at Eden Gardens and India’s current balance make it unlikely for the youngster to feature in the starting XI.
“Our position hasn’t changed on Nitish. He didn’t get a chance in Australia. But looking at the challenge here, I think he’ll miss out from the XI this week,” said Ryan ten Doeschate.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s most recent appearance in the red-ball format came during the two-Test home series against West Indies, where he bowled just four overs and batted once.
Dhruv Jurel likely to be included
With Nitish set to warm the bench, Dhruv Jurel is expected to be included in the playing XI. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in remarkable form, smashing twin centuries for India A against South Africa A, making a strong case for his Test inclusion.
Team India is expected to retain its top order, with the possible middle-order adjustment favoring Jurel as a specialist batter, strengthening India’s depth both behind the stumps and with the bat.
Pant’s return headlines India’s selection
The match will also mark the much-awaited return of vice-captain Rishabh Pant to Test cricket after his injury layoff earlier this year during the IND vs ENG 4th Test. Pant’s comeback adds stability and experience to India’s batting lineup as they aim to begin the two-match Test series strongly.
The Eden Gardens pitch, as confirmed by curator Sujan Mukherjee, is expected to offer a bit of turn and bounce, making selection balance crucial for the opening encounter of the series.
