Why Adithya Ashok is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 2nd ODI?

New Zealand legspinner Adithya Ashok has been ruled out of the 2nd ODI against India in Rajkot. After winning the thrilling first ODI by four wickets against New Zealand, India aim to seal the series as the two teams face each other in the 2nd match of the three-match ODI series at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot, on January 14.

New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell won the toss and opted to field first. However, the fans were surprised not to see Adithya Ashok in the playing XI. He was NZ's main spinner in the last game but is not a part of today's match.

Why Adithya Ashok is Not Playing Today?

Indian-origin leg spinner Adithya Ashok played in the first ODI in Vadodara, and fans had high expectations from him. However, the youngster bowled only six overs and was expensive as well, conceding 55 runs at an economy rate of 9.20 while taking one wicket.

As he was ineffective in the first match, left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox has been made Adithya Ashok replacement in the IND vs NZ 2nd ODI. Lennox is has been performing quite well in the domestic circuit and is all set to make his international debut. Interestingly, Lennox was included in New Zealand’s squad as a like-for-like replacement for injured Mitchell Santner, one of the best all-rounders in the world.
“For somebody like me, (who is) passionate about spin bowling, to get the opportunity to come to India and to potentially debut is exciting,” Lennox told New Zealand Cricket in a video release.

Nitish Kumar Reddy comes in for Washington Sundar

Meanwhile, Team India also made one change as young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced injured Washington Sundar, who has been ruled out of the ODI series after suffering a side strain during the 1st ODI. Delhi cricketer Ayush Badoni got the maiden call-up up in the national squad as Sundar’s replacement but he didn’t get a place in India’s playing XI for the 2nd ODI against the Kiwis.

With Nitish Kumar Reddy playing today, India will have an extra fast bowling option who has the ability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs. Reddy is one of the best all-rounders in India at the moment. It would be interesting to see how the Indian captain Shubman Gill will use his bowling. It would also be interesting to see at which batting position will Reddy come to bat.