After India’s loss to New Zealand in Rajkot, the post-match comments from Team India’s assistant coach raised eyebrows. Ryan ten Doeschate publicly questioned the performance and impact of Nitish Kumar Reddy, a move that surprised many fans and experts.

What the coach said

Speaking to reporters after the match, Ten Doeschate said that opportunities had been provided to Reddy, but the returns hadn’t matched expectations.

“With Nitish, we constantly talk about his development and getting him playing time. And then when you give him playing time, he doesn’t perform well.”

Reddy, who featured in the second ODI at Rajkot, scored 20 runs and bowled two overs without a wicket. Ten Doeschate added that such chances need to be seized to strengthen a player’s case for selection.

“He had a great opportunity in Rajkot. When you get time at the crease in that situation, you have to make the most of it.”

Selection call under scrutiny

The assistant coach also suggested that India might have been better served by playing a third specialist spinner instead of Reddy.

“We like to play an extra spinner. Badoni had to come in at the last minute after Washington got injured. We felt Nitish would do well on this pitch.”

This comment triggered debate because Reddy was picked as an all-round option, yet he was given only two overs with the ball—limiting his chance to influence the game.

How the match turned

India’s bowling struggled on the day, and New Zealand capitalised—led by a commanding century from Daryl Mitchell—to seal the win over India national cricket team at Rajkot.

The bigger picture

Open criticism from a member of the coaching staff is rare and has sparked discussion about player management, communication, and role clarity. Whether this motivates Reddy or complicates his selection prospects remains to be seen—but it has certainly added spice to the post-series conversation.