IND vs WI, 2nd Test: Second match good chance to give Nitish another go, says ten Doeschate

Just as overcast clouds gave way to a sliver of sunshine at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, all the members of the Indian team turned up for a three-and-a-half-hour net session at high intensity. After winning the first Test against West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in Ahmedabad, another equally commanding display from Shubman Gill and Co. is expected when the two sides lock horns in New Delhi from Friday.

According to assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, the second Test is an opportunity for the team management to have a good look at Nitish Reddy’s all-round skills. In the opener, the 22-year-old was confined to bowling just four overs of medium-pace. Slotted at No. 8 in the order, he didn’t get to bat.

“We are unlikely to change the combination. One of the medium-term objectives is to develop a seam-bowling all-rounder for India. It’s very important when we go away that we have that position covered. We didn’t get a very good look at Nitish last week. It is a very good opportunity to give Nitish another go and not alter the balance of the team,” ten Doeschate told the media on Wednesday.

If Nitish is to carve a long Test career, the Dutchman sees the youngster’s fitness as the most important factor.

“We think he’s a fantastic seam-bowling all-rounder,” ten Doeschate said. “The biggest limitation to what his ceiling could be is going to be his body. The challenge for him is to get game time between away series. In a series like this, it is more important to look ahead and see how we can fit him in so that he gets game time.”

Published on Oct 08, 2025