Why is Nitish Kumar Reddy not playing today’s IND vs SA 2025 1st Test?

Nitish Kumar Reddy missed out on the playing XI as India announced their playing XI for the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, beginning on Friday, November 14. India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who is making his comeback after injury, has replaced Reddy in the playing XI.

At the toss, India captain Shubman Gill said (via Cricbuzz):

“Rishabh comes back in place of Reddy since we last played. And Axar is also back in the side.”

Reddy was last seen in action against South Africa A. The all-rounder scored 37 runs and returned with figures of 1/18 as India A won the game by four wickets in Rajkot on Thursday, November 13. It was his first game after recovering from an injury (left quadriceps injury) he sustained during the ODI series in Australia, which forced him to sit out of the T20Is Down Under. Notably, there is no direct flight from Rajkot to Kolkata.

Meanwhile, Pant will be playing his first game after recovering from an injury (a fracture in his right foot) he sustained during the Test series in England earlier this year. The southpaw recently missed out on the home Test series against the West Indies.

Nitish Kumar Reddy misses out as India pick two wicketkeepers for series opener against South Africa

Dhruv Jurel retained his place as India included two wicketkeepers in their playing XI against South Africa for the opening Test in Kolkata. While Pant is a seasoned player, Jurel recently slammed his maiden ton (140) against the West Indies in October. The UP-born player carried his good form for India A against South Africa A (132* and 127*) in the second practice game, hitting two unbeaten centuries. Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan has been dropped from the playing XI.

Meanwhile, South Africa made one change as Kagiso Rabada missed out due to an injury. Corbin Bosch has been included in the playing XI.

Unfortunately for India, they lost their 11th consecutive toss as the Proteas skipper, Temba Bavuma, elected to bat first.

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Edited by James Kuanal