India, Jan. 15 -- Of the numerous left-field choices in Indian cricket, in particular, the selection of Nitish Kumar Reddy for the Test tour of Australia from November 2024 seemed one of the more inspired ones.

Only 21 at the time, the all-rounder from Visakhapatnam had only figured in the same number of first-class matches as his age, without setting the world afire. Nitish had a batting average in the early 20s, bolstered by a highest of 159, while his bowling average was nudging 27. These aren't numbers that compel attention, let alone Test selection, but the leadership group thought otherwise, taking a punt on potential and three Twenty20 International caps that had produced 90 runs (with 74 as his highest) and three wickets.

Nitish...