Gautam Gambhir, the current India coach, is facing scrutiny for the apparent exclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy from the playing XI in the recent ODI series against New Zealand. This decision has sparked debate among cricket analysts and fans, raising questions about the alignment between selectors and the team management.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, a fast-bowling all-rounder, has been a topic of discussion due to his talent and potential. Despite being included in the squad, he was notably absent from the first ODI, leading to criticism of Gambhir's decision-making. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra voiced his concerns, questioning the logic behind selecting Reddy if he wasn't intended to play. Chopra argued that if the team management had no plans to utilize Reddy, the selectors should have been informed to allow the player to participate in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Reddy's recent performances have highlighted his capabilities. In the IPL 2024, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he scored 303 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 142.92, including two half-centuries. He also contributed with the ball, taking 3 wickets. His impressive IPL season led to his international debut in a T20I against Bangladesh in October 2024. Furthermore, he was selected for the tour of Australia, where he scored his maiden international century in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Despite these achievements, questions linger about Reddy's role in the team and the communication between selectors and team management. Some analysts have pointed out the inconsistency in team selections, with new players debuting frequently, suggesting a lack of a clear strategy. Others have criticized the emphasis on all-rounders at the expense of specialist players.

However, Reddy himself has credited Gautam Gambhir for boosting his confidence, particularly in his bowling. He revealed that Gambhir advised him to think like a bowler and believe in his abilities, which helped him during the T20I series against Bangladesh.

Gambhir has previously highlighted the importance of grooming young talents like Reddy, given the scarcity of fast-bowling all-rounders in India. He emphasized the need to provide opportunities in home conditions to gain experience. In October 2024, Reddy acknowledged Gambhir's role in his success, stating that Gambhir gave him confidence and told him to believe in his bowling.

While Nitish Kumar Reddy has shown promise and has received backing from Gautam Gambhir at times, his exclusion from the playing XI in the recent ODI series has raised concerns about team selection strategies and communication between different stakeholders. The situation highlights the complexities of team management and the challenges of finding the right balance between nurturing young talent and achieving immediate success.