Cricket

India's Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia includes three uncapped players, including seam-up all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Reddy's rapid rise from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the cusp of a Test debut has raised eyebrows, but former India pacer Dodda Ganesh believes his fast-tracking "serves no purpose."Reddy, who was part of India's 'A' team in Australia before the Test squad's arrival, was selected for the BGT along with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Harshit Rana. Reddy's IPL exploits for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024 earned him a call-up to India's T20 squad against Bangladesh. His impressive performance in the second match, with a 74-run knock and two wickets, further enhanced his reputation.In four innings of two unofficial Tests against Australia 'A' earlier this month, Reddy's highest score was 38, and he took only one wicket. Former India coach Ravi Shastri has tipped Reddy to make his Test debut in Perth, citing his batting ability and seam-up bowling as potential assets to the team's balance.However, Ganesh believes that such a move would be premature. "This fast-tracking of Nitish Reddy for Tests serves no purpose. He is still undercooked to be playing the longer format," Ganesh wrote on social media. He suggests that the Indian think-tank should opt for a specialist in the playing eleven, either a bowler or a batter.Shastri, on the other hand, believes that Reddy's versatility could be valuable in Perth's pacer-friendly conditions. He suggests that Reddy could play a similar role to Shardul Thakur as a fourth seamer who can also contribute with the bat.The Indian team management faces a dilemma in selecting the playing eleven for the opening Test. Reddy's inclusion would provide balance, but his lack of experience in the longer format raises concerns. The decision will ultimately depend on the team's assessment of the conditions and the opposition's strengths.

Dodda Ganesh Removed as Kenya Men's Cricket Team Head CoachFormer Indian fast bowler Dodda Ganesh has been abruptly removed from his position as head coach of the Kenya men's cricket team, just a month after his appointment. The decision stems from alleged irregularities in his hiring process.According to a report by nation.africa, Cricket Kenya's executive board has declared Ganesh's appointment invalid due to improper procedures. The board's Director of Women's Cricket, Pearlyne Omami, signed a letter on behalf of the board, stating that the appointment was not ratified.The letter also voided a contract signed between Ganesh and Manoj Patel, a former Cricket Kenya official. Ganesh has been instructed to cease all engagement with the team immediately.Lameck Onyango, a former Kenyan international, has been appointed as the new head coach. He will be assisted by Joseph Angara, another former international player.The coaching duo will immediately begin preparations for the upcoming ICC Division 2 Challenge League in Nairobi, where Kenya will face Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Denmark, and Jersey.Kenya will also host the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub-regional Qualifier B tournament from October 17-26, where they will compete against Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Gambia.Ganesh's removal highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Cricket Kenya. The board has been plagued by financial and administrative issues in recent years, which have impacted the performance of the national team.

Former Indian all-rounder Dodda Ganesh has been entrusted with the responsibility of reviving the fortunes of Kenyan cricket. The 51-year-old has been appointed as the head coach of Kenya's men's cricket team, with the primary objective of guiding them through the Africa Qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup.Ganesh, who represented India in four Tests and an ODI, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Despite limited success at the international level, he enjoyed a successful first-class career with Karnataka, amassing over 2000 runs and claiming 365 wickets.Kenya's cricket team has experienced a decline in recent years, failing to qualify for the T20 World Cup since 2007. Ganesh's appointment marks a significant step in their efforts to regain their former glory. The team will face Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Denmark, and Jersey in the ICC Division 2 Challenge League in September, followed by the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers in October.The 2026 T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, providing Kenya with an opportunity to showcase their resurgence on the global stage. Ganesh expressed his excitement about the new role, stating, "Privileged to be named the head coach of the Kenya cricket team."Ganesh will be supported by former Kenyan internationals Lameck Onyango and Joseph Angara, who will serve as his deputies. The trio will work together to develop a competitive team capable of challenging for a place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.