New Delhi: Nitish Kumar Reddy is set all set to return to Indias Test squad ahead of the second Test against South Africa at the Barasapara Stadium in Guwahati. He had been released from the squad before the Eden Gardens Test to participate in the India A fixtures against South Africa. While the BCCI had initially mentioned that Reddy would join for the second Test he has been called up early and will train with the team during the optional session at Eden Gardens on November 18.

Reddy represented India in two List A matches. In the first game of the ongoing three-match series in Rajkot he scored 37 runs and picked 1/18 while he didnt get a chance to bat or bowl in the second match. His return to the Test squad means the all-rounder will miss India As third game on November 19.
Nitish Kumar Reddy was released from the first Test at Eden Gardens
The Indian selectors released Reddy from the Test squad after assessing the pitch believing it was important for him to gain more match practice and increase his bowling workload.

The Indian cricket team might need additional batting support if Shubman Gill isnt fully fit for the final Test of the series. The captain is currently recovering from a neck injury and his availability in the second Test remains uncertain. While India have Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan as backup options including another left-handed batsman might not provide the ideal combination.
Reddys inclusion would help maintain the left-right batting combination
Reddy could be a valuable addition to the playing XI even if he steps in to bat lower down the order. His inclusion would help maintain the left-right batting combination and create favorable match-ups for the home side.

The first Test vs South Africa ended in just three days and now all eyes will be on the Guwahati Test. The venue is gearing to host its first ever Test and the Indian team will look to make it a memorable one for them and also level the series 1-1.
Shubman Gills availability uncertain
Shubman Gill the captain of the Indias Test team didnt come out to bat in the second innings of the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens Kolkata as he sustained a neck injury. The Proteas secured a convincing 30-run victory over India the match ended in three days. As per multiple reports Gills availability for the second Test match in Guwahati is uncertain as he needs more time to recover.

India Test squad: Shubman Gill (C) Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC) Yashasvi Jaiswal KL Rahul Sai Sudharsan Devdutt Padikkal Dhruv Jurel Ravindra Jadeja Washington Sundar Jasprit Bumrah Axar Patel Mohammed Siraj Kuldeep Yadav Akash Deep Nitish Kumar Reddy