Badrinath questions Gambhir-backed T20I picks: 'Don't rate Nitish Reddy high'
Synopsis
Former India batter S Badrinath has called out what he sees as coach Gautam Gambhir's fingerprints on India's T20I squad for the Afghanistan series — questioning Nitish Kumar Reddy's bowling credentials and Washington Sundar's repeated inclusion. Amid the criticism, Bumrah's potential comeback stands out as the one selection everyone agrees on.
Key Takeaways
S Badrinath questioned the inclusion of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's T20I squad for the Afghanistan series .
Badrinath suggested Gautam Gambhir 's preferences may have influenced the selections, calling Sundar and Reddy 'the coach's favourites.' He rated Nitish Kumar Reddy primarily as a batter, expressing doubts about his bowling credentials as an all-rounder.
Jasprit Bumrah , returning from a left knee injury , was hailed by Badrinath as 'a huge positive' for the squad.
Bumrah, Sundar, Reddy, and Harshit Rana all require BCCI Centre of Excellence fitness clearance before playing.
The three-match T20I series begins 13 September in Delhi , with the Asian Games defence in Japan to follow.
Former India batter S Badrinath has publicly questioned the selection of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's 15-member T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, beginning 13 September in Delhi. Badrinath suggested that head coach Gautam Gambhir's preferences may have influenced the picks.
Badrinath's Concerns Over the Selections
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath did not hold back on his assessment of the squad composition. 'At first look, the coach's favourites are back. Washington Sundar is getting tremendous backing in Indian cricket. He needs to really make use of it,' he said.
Badrinath was equally candid about Nitish Kumar Reddy, framing his reservations squarely around the youngster's bowling rather than his batting. 'Somehow I don't rate Nitish Kumar Reddy so high. That's because of his bowling. I still feel he's a batter and not someone I rate with the ball,' he stated. Notably, this places Reddy's all-rounder credentials under scrutiny at a time when India is actively rebuilding its T20I core ahead of a packed international schedule.
Bumrah's Return the One Bright Spot
Jasprit Bumrah has also been named in the squad, though his participation — like that of Sundar, Reddy, and Harshit Rana — remains subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. Badrinath viewed Bumrah's potential comeback as the standout positive from the selection announcement.
'Bumrah's return is a huge positive. It could also have been that Bumrah told the management that he wanted to play these three matches. Then they have to select him. We don't know that,' Badrinath said. He added that Bumrah may have personally pushed for a return after an extended spell on the sidelines: 'Bumrah might have spoken to Gambhir or the selection committee and said he wants to play because he hasn't played cricket for long. So it could have been Bumrah's option.'
Bumrah's Injury and What's at Stake
Bumrah last featured in India's ODI series in England in July, before a left knee injury ruled him out of the subsequent Sri Lanka tour. A successful return against Afghanistan would give India's pace attack a significant boost ahead of the Asian Games gold-medal defence scheduled later in September in Japan.
This comes amid broader scrutiny of the selection process under Gambhir, who took charge as head coach earlier this year. Critics argue that personal rapport between the coach and certain players should not override form-based selection — a debate that resurfaces each time a Gambhir-era squad is announced.
What to Watch in the Afghanistan Series
The three-match T20I series against Afghanistan begins on 13 September in Delhi and serves as a key fitness and form check for several players. Beyond the Bumrah watch, selectors will be assessing whether Sundar and Reddy can justify the faith placed in them — particularly given the scrutiny from former players like Badrinath. The series also doubles as preparation for the Asian Games, making squad performance a matter of both domestic and continental consequence.
Point of View
It raises questions about how selection decisions are being made and who is driving them. A transparent, form-first selection framework would put these debates to rest; the absence of one keeps them alive.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did S Badrinath criticise India's T20I squad for the Afghanistan series?
Badrinath questioned the inclusion of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy, arguing that coach Gautam Gambhir's personal preferences appeared to have influenced the selections. He specifically doubted Reddy's bowling ability, saying he views him more as a batter than a genuine all-rounder.
What did Badrinath say about Nitish Kumar Reddy?
Badrinath said he does not rate Nitish Kumar Reddy highly because of his bowling, stating 'I still feel he's a batter and not someone I rate with the ball.' His concern is that Reddy is being selected as a bowling all-rounder without fully justifying that role.
Is Jasprit Bumrah confirmed to play against Afghanistan?
Bumrah has been named in the squad but his participation is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. He last played during India's ODI series in England in July before a left knee injury ended his Sri Lanka tour.
When and where does India's T20I series against Afghanistan begin?
The three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan begins on 13 September in Delhi. It also serves as preparation for India's Asian Games campaign in Japan later in September.
Who else in the squad needs a fitness clearance?
Along with Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana are all subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence before they can be confirmed for the Afghanistan series.
