Why is Nitish Kumar Reddy not playing today in AUS vs IND 3rd ODI?

India lost the three-match ODI series against Australia after their second defeat at the Adelaide Oval two days ago, having already faced a defeat at the Optus Stadium in Perth in the opening clash. The third and final game of the series at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was a chance for the Blue Brigade to deny the hosts a clean sweep, something which the opposition had never tasted.

However, the visitors were without their pace bowling all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, for the clash. He was available for selection in the third fixture as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared an update from the medical side, as they keep monitoring the progress of the Andhra player.

“Nitish Kumar Reddy sustained a left quadriceps injury during the second ODI in Adelaide and was subsequently unavailable for selection for the third ODI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring him daily.” The BCCI posted the statement 13 minutes after the end of the toss.

Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of AUS vs IND 3rd ODI in Sydney with quadriceps injury

India faced their 18th successive defeat in the toss in the 50-over format, which has now become a concern, even though these things are not in control of anyone. They made two changes in the playing eleven with the left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, finally getting his chance in the eleven along with Prasidh Krishna, who replaced Arshdeep Singh, perhaps to keep the latter fresh for the T20I series.

Australia, meanwhile, resisted the temptation of resting the two quicks, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. The former has already retired from the shortest format, while Hazlewood would feature in the first three games of the five-match T20I series before preparing himself for the red-ball Sheffield Shield clash ahead of the Ashes 2025-26.

Australia made a strong start with the bat, thanks to the 61-run opening stand in 9.2 overs before Mohammed Siraj drew first blood with the wicket of Travis Head on 29 runs in 25 balls. It was an unusual Sydney surface with stiff bounce on offer while the batters got massive rewards for the shots.