“There is something seriously wrong in the squad selection” - R Ashwin slams youngster’s exclusion from IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy's absence in the playing XI despite the absence of Hardik Pandya in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The Men in Blue managed to incorporate six bowling options even without including the young pace bowling all-rounder, as both Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana found a place in the top eight.
The hosts had a mixed strength bowling attack since the crucial trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Axar Patel were not a part of the squad. In the playing XI, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna featured as the frontline pacers, while Harshit Rana occupied the crucial No.8 slot.
The hosts also had three spin options secured in Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar. However, this particular combination meant that there was no place for Nitish Kumar Reddy to feature.
The all-rounder had recently made his ODI debut during the Australia tour after Hardik Pandya's injury. He went on to suffer an injury during the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval, affecting his participation in the subsequent T20I series as well.
Even though Nitish Kumar Reddy was released from the Test squad ahead of the first Test against South Africa to feature in the unofficial ODIs against South Africa 'A', he could not find a place in the KL Rahul-led side for the series opener in Ranchi.
"If we are not able to find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in a team that does not have Hardik Pandya, then there is something wrong in the squad selection, seriously," R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
"Why was he picked? Because the fact that he can give what Hardik can give, and can get better over a period of time. But, if we can't find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in this particular XI, then the squad selection must be properly reviewed," R Ashwin continued.
In his first set of ODI appearances, the Andhra all-rounder scored an unbeaten cameo in the rain-curtailed contest in Perth, and chipped in with a handful of overs with the ball as well.
"It doesn't make sense to go to Tilak Varma right now" - R Ashwin on Team India's No.4 for remainder of IND vs SA 2025 ODIs
Team India had a major conundrum to solve regarding the No.4 role after Shreyas Iyer's injury in Australia. Among the batting options in the squad, Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma were touted as potential options for the middle order, while the returning Ruturaj Gaikwad was deemed the backup opener in Shubman Gill's absence.
However, it was the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain who got the nod to feature at No.4 in the first ODI instead, ahead of the southpaws. He scored eight runs off 14 deliveries before being dismissed, courtesy of a stunning one-handed catch by Dewald Brevis.
Ashwin backed Gaikwad to continue at No.4 despite his disappointing return in Ranchi.
"You gave an opportunity to Ruturaj, so it doesn't make sense to go to Tilak Varma right now. So, give him a longer run and then decide what your right combination is," Ashwin opined.
The second ODI between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 3, in Raipur. The Men in Blue have a 1-0 lead in the three-match affair after their thrilling 17-run win in the first match.