'Are selectors and coaching staff not aligned?': Gambhir and selectors slammed over India star's handling

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised serious questions about the way the Indian team management and selectors are handling young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Chopra wondered whether the captain and coaching staff are even on the same page as the selection committee.

Speaking in a video shared on his official X account, Chopra said he was confused by Reddy’s situation. He noted that the 22-year-old is picked across formats but does not get enough opportunities. According to Chopra, even when Reddy is part of the playing XI, he is not utilised well.

Chopra questions Gambhir and Agarkar

The former opener questioned whether the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, and the team management under captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir have different views about Reddy’s role. Chopra said selectors seem to believe Reddy offers balance to the side and could be a backup for Hardik Pandya. However, he felt the team management does not appear to share the same belief.

Chopra also suggested that if Reddy is not going to get regular chances in the Indian team, it would be better for him to play domestic cricket and stay match-ready for the future. Reddy is part of the ongoing three-match ODI series against New Zealand, but did not feature in the opening game.

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Are the India Team selectors and coaching staff not aligned? #NitishKumarReddy #Aakashvani #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/MqfutNp2dI

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 13, 2026

Reddy first caught attention after his performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test series in Australia. However, his form in Test cricket dipped in 2025, and since then, his opportunities have been limited. He played just one Test match during the recent South Africa series, where he failed to make an impact in either batting or bowling.

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Reddy returned to his domestic team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and performed well in both tournaments. He even took a hat-trick for Andhra in the SMAT 2025 match against Madhya Pradesh. Chopra suggested that Reddy return to domestic cricket and help Andhra rather than warming the bench.