IND vs WI 2026: Why is Nitish Kumar Reddy not playing in the 2nd ODI?

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been left out of India's playing XI for the second ODI against West Indies on Tuesday, September 30. Shubman Gill and the team management have decided to bring in Auqib Nabi for the crucial game at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

IND vs WI 2026: Toss Update

Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and decided to bowl first. He pointed out that the Guwahati pitch has more grass and could help the fast bowlers early on. West Indies captain Shai Hope also said he would have preferred to bowl first but backed his team to put up a good total.

IND vs WI 2026: Why has Nitish Kumar Reddy been benched?

IND vs WI 2026: What did the captains say?

Shubman Gill, India captain, said:

"We're gonna bowl first. [On the Guwahati surface and the extra grass compared to the previous venue] Yeah, a bit more grass, and looks a little bit patchy at times. So I think there'll be a little bit more for the fast bowlers initially. [On whether he was happy with India's performance in the last game] Yeah, definitely. I think it was, after being put under pressure in the first 20-25 overs, the way we came back was really good. And I think it's even more humid and even more hotter here, so I think it's gonna be a good challenge for our fast bowlers. [On the importance of fielding standards in this format] Yeah, definitely."

"I think the intensity in the field in the middle overs is what dictates the game, and I think that is one area where I thought we could have been a little bit better in the last game. So hopefully I think this game is going to be a bit better. [On India's strong top order and everyone being in good form in the last game] Yeah, I think everyone looked well. Even Rohit bhai was looking in good touch, so hopefully it's gonna be another good game for us. [On changes to India's XI] We've got one change - Auqib Nabi makes his debut in place of Nitish."

Shai Hope, West Indies captain, said:

"Yeah, definitely would have fielded as well. [On West Indies' record as a chasing side and the challenge of batting first] Yeah, for sure. You know, coin toss is a 50-50 chance, and regardless of what happens, we got to do well. So we've got another opportunity today to put some runs on the board and try to get a good score and give our bowlers something to defend. [On whether West Indies were around 20 runs short in the first ODI after being on course for 320 at one stage] Yeah, probably a bit more runs than that, to be fair."

"But yeah, just about understanding and identifying the areas we need to improve and finding ways to get better at them as quickly as we can. You know, it's not much of a big turnaround between games. So it's about, you know, going out there, putting your best foot forward and finding the right solutions to win games. [On what he makes of the surface now that West Indies are batting first] It looks pretty good. I just think it'll probably do a little bit to start, but we just got to assess quickly and then see what a good score would be at the back end. [On changes to the XI] Yeah, we've got four changes, and not gonna hurt my head with all of them today, so you guys are going to see that on the graphic."

IND vs WI 2026: Playing XIs

India

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul(w), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

West Indies

John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(w/c), Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Vitel Lawes