Table of Contents
- Who is Nitish Reddy?
- The Australia Series: A Reality Check
- Why is Nitish Reddy Underused?
- Expert Voices Demand a Decision
- The Path Forward for India
Who is Nitish Reddy?
Nitish Reddy isn’t just another name on the Indian cricket team sheet. Hailing from Visakhapatnam, this 21-year-old is a genuine seam-bowling all-rounder who has been a consistent performer for Andhra Pradesh in domestic cricket . His profile screams potential: a right-handed batter capable of playing in the top order and a more-than-handy medium-fast bowler . In the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy alone, he was the third-highest wicket-taker for his state, claiming 25 wickets while also chipping in with 160 runs .
The Australia Series: A Reality Check
Reddy’s international debut on the tough Australian tour of 2024-25 was a mixed bag of promise and puzzlement. He showed remarkable grit, scoring a crucial 41 in his first innings when India was reeling at 73/6, and a blistering 19* off just 11 balls in an ODI debut in Perth [[15], [18]]. His overall Test series stats were solid: 298 runs at an average of 37.25 and a strike rate of 64.22 .
Yet, a stark contradiction emerged. Despite being picked as a bowling all-rounder, his bowling arm was barely used. In two Test matches, he bowled a mere 0.8% of the total overs by the Indian team—a statistic that raises serious questions about the team’s strategy . He was consistently slotted in at the No. 8 batting position, far from his natural top-order role, which limited his ability to build an innings .
Why is Nitish Reddy Underused?
The management’s indecision seems to be at the heart of the issue. Is he a batter who bowls a bit, or a bowler who can bat? This lack of a clear role has left Reddy in a state of limbo. Captain Shubman Gill’s confidence in him appears tentative, reminiscent of how Shardul Thakur was handled in previous series . The team’s approach feels more like a safety net than a strategic weapon.
This ambiguity is a luxury India can’t afford, especially when grooming a player for the long term. As one analysis points out, his selection seems to be about future investment rather than immediate, decisive contribution . But a player can’t develop in the shadows; they need a defined role and consistent opportunities to execute their skills.
Expert Voices Demand a Decision
Former cricketers and analysts are vocal about this mismanagement. Aakash Chopra has openly questioned India’s decision to sideline Reddy with the ball, calling it a missed opportunity . Irfan Pathan, another all-rounder great, has praised Reddy’s batting, highlighting his potential to be a real asset for the team .
The consensus is clear: the current “wait-and-see” approach is doing more harm than good. Experts are urging the team management to make a decisive call—either fully back him as a frontline all-rounder or find a different solution. A player of his calibre deserves a clear mandate, not a confusing, peripheral role.
The Path Forward for India
For Nitish Reddy to flourish, India needs to stop treating him as a backup option and start seeing him as a core part of their future plans. This means giving him a fixed batting position, perhaps at No. 6 or 7, where he can play his natural game, and trusting him with a regular bowling workload of 10-15 overs per innings.
His performance in Australia, under immense pressure, has already proven his temperament. Now, it’s on the team management to provide the clarity and confidence he needs. The curious case of Nitish Reddy is a test not just of his talent, but of India’s ability to nurture and utilize its next generation of stars.
Sources
- The Times of India: The curious case of allrounder Nitish Reddy
- CREX Player Profile
- Cricinfo Statsguru