‘Perfect time to groom Nitish Reddy’ — Hardik Pandya’s absence gives India chance to develop next pace-allrounder says IND coach

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'Perfect time to groom Nitish Reddy' — Hardik Pandya’s absence gives India chance to develop next pace-allrounder says IND coach

On Sunday, Rohit Sharma presented Nitish Kumar Reddy with his debut ODI cap in Perth. It was also the first ODI of the India vs. Australia three-match series, which the hosts comfortably won by seven wickets.

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Nitish was handed an opportunity in ODIs because of Hardik Pandya’s recent hamstring injury. Pandya was injured during the Asia Cup 2025’s Super Four stage in Dubai.

At 22, Nitish has now represented India in all the three formats. Now, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has revealed the management’s plans for the youngster.

How does India plan to manage Nitish Reddy in ODIs?

Nitish burst onto the scene with an impressive IPL 2024 campaign for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), scoring over 300 runs at a strike rate of 142.92, before earning his maiden T20I call-up in October 2024.

He was soon fast-tracked to the Test team due to his verstaility as a pace-bowling all-rounder, with Pandya being unavailable to play the red-ball format..

India continued to stick with him after impressive batting performances throughout the series, which included a gritty century in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

After making his ODI debut at Perth, coach Kotak emphasized the importance of a pace-bowling all-rounder in the team. He spoke about how India needs a backup in Pandya’s absence and Nitish appears to be the best choice currently in the ranks.

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“Someone like Hardik is always a big loss. But if we look at the positive side, Nitish is getting some game time and we’re trying to groom him. Every team needs an all-rounder, and we’re trying to develop him in that role,” he said.

“So it’s a good preparation in that way. But yes, any team would miss a player like Hardik,” Kotak added.

Batting at 8 in a rain-affected game in the series opener, he scored a quick-fire 19*(11) with the help of 2 sixes to guide India to a respectable total of 136/9 in 26 overs.

Despite India’s seven-wicket defeat, fans and coaches noted his crucial contribution in the game, which could help him with a promotion in the batting order soon.