Irfan Pathan Endorses Nitish Kumar Reddy as India's All-Rounder Prospect

Ex-cricketer Irfan Pathan suggests that Nitish Kumar Reddy should have been part of the Indian squad against New Zealand from the outset, arguing that he has the potential to be a solid backup for Hardik Pandya. Pathan was impressed with Reddy’s batting and bowling during the third ODI.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has voiced his support for Nitish Kumar Reddy, suggesting that the young player should have been included from the beginning of the New Zealand ODI series. Pathan believes Reddy could serve as a viable backup to star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Pathan expressed his views following Reddy's performance in the third ODI in Indore, where Reddy scored 53 runs in 57 balls and set up a critical partnership of 88 runs with Virat Kohli, although India lost the match to New Zealand by 41 runs. Despite the defeat, Pathan lauded Reddy's ability to hit big shots and maintain crucial partnerships.

Reddy broke into India's T20I and Test lineup in 2024 and ended the year with a century at the Boxing Day Test against Australia. In ODIs, he has scored 100 runs in four appearances. New Zealand secured their first ODI series victory in India with the help of centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.