India has high hopes for Nitish Kumar Reddy as a potential all-rounder in the absence of Hardik Pandya. The 22-year-old made his ODI debut in Perth during the first match of the India vs. Australia series, which took place on Sunday. The match ended with Australia claiming victory by seven wickets.
Nitish Reddy’s Path to ODI Debut
Nitish’s selection for the ODI squad came as a result of Pandya’s hamstring injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2025’s Super Four stage in Dubai. This opportunity marks a significant moment in his career, as he has now played in all three formats for India.
Performance in the IPL
Before his ODI debut, Nitish showcased his skills during the IPL 2024 with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He scored over 300 runs at an impressive strike rate of 142.92, which earned him a call-up to the T20I team in October 2024. His versatility as a pace-bowling all-rounder made him a candidate for the Test team as well.
Coaches Discuss the All-Rounder Role
- Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has shared the team’s plans for Nitish.
- He emphasized the need for a pace-bowling all-rounder to fill the void left by Pandya.
- Despite the team’s loss in the ODI opener, Kotak noted Nitish’s contributions as promising for his future in the lineup.
Debut Match Highlights
In a rain-affected match, Nitish batted at the eighth position and scored a quick 19 runs off 11 balls, which included two sixes. His efforts helped India reach a total of 136/9 in 26 overs.
Looking Ahead
Nitish’s performance has caught the attention of fans and coaches alike. They view his debut as a stepping stone that could lead to a higher batting order position in future matches. As India navigates Pandya’s absence, they are eager to nurture Nitish into a more prominent role within the team.
The coaching staff believes that this experience will be beneficial for him as India prepares for more challenges ahead. Having an all-rounder is crucial for any successful team, and India is optimistic about Nitish Reddy’s potential in this capacity.
