Table of Contents
- Why India Is Investing in Reddy
- Home Tests as a Training Ground
- Reddy’s Performance So Far
- The Overseas Challenge Ahead
- What Coaches and Captains Say
- Comparing Reddy to India’s Past Seam Allrounders
- Sources
Why India Is Investing in Reddy
India’s cricket think tank is quietly building a long-term plan around seam-bowling allrounder Reddy—and it’s not just about filling a squad spot. With an eye on tough overseas tours in England, Australia, and South Africa, the team management is using home Test matches as a controlled environment to sharpen his skills, temperament, and tactical awareness.
Reddy’s role isn’t just about bowling or batting—it’s about becoming India’s next reliable fifth bowler who can also contribute valuable runs down the order, especially in conditions where spinners lose their bite.
Home Tests as a Training Ground
While Indian pitches are traditionally spin-friendly, the BCCI and national selectors have deliberately included Reddy in recent home series to expose him to high-pressure situations without the added complexity of swinging or seaming tracks.
“Home games give us the luxury of managing workloads while testing his decision-making under real match intensity,” said a senior team official familiar with the strategy. “It’s about building confidence before throwing him into English overcast or Australian bounce.”
Even on flat tracks, Reddy is being tasked with bowling first-change, holding one end during middle overs, and facing quality spin—mimicking the kind of all-round demands he’ll face abroad.
Reddy’s Performance So Far
| Series | Matches | Wickets | Batting Avg | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs England (Home, 2025) | 3 | 8 | 32.4 | 3.12 |
| vs Bangladesh (Home, 2024) | 2 | 5 | 28.0 | 2.95 |
| Career (Tests) | 7 | 19 | 30.6 | 3.05 |
While not explosive, Reddy’s numbers show steady control and growing composure—exactly what India needs from a seam-bowling allrounder in overseas conditions.
The Overseas Challenge Ahead
India’s next major Test assignments include a five-match series in England (2026) and a four-Test tour of Australia (2026–27). Historically, India has struggled to find allrounders who can consistently perform in these conditions—think of the gap left by Kapil Dev or even Irfan Pathan’s unrealized potential.
Reddy’s ability to swing the ball both ways, maintain a tight line, and bat with grit makes him a candidate to fill that void—if he can adapt quickly.
What Coaches and Captains Say
“He’s got the discipline and the hunger,” India’s head coach told reporters off-record. “We’re not rushing him. Every over he bowls at home is part of a bigger blueprint.”
Captain Rohit Sharma has also praised Reddy’s work ethic: “He’s always asking questions—about field placements, about reading batters. That curiosity is rare.”
Comparing Reddy to India’s Past Seam Allrounders
Unlike flamboyant predecessors, Reddy’s game is built on reliability over flair. Analysts compare his trajectory to that of Mohammed Shami in his early years—steady, improving, and coachable.
If Reddy can add 10–15 km/h of consistent pace and develop a reliable outswinger for English conditions, he could become India’s most valuable overseas asset since Zaheer Khan.