India’s search of an all-rounder in the ODI side seems to be moving in the right direction as some young players made headlines during the Afghanistan series and the team management has started identifying them who could play crucial roles in the future, especially in the 2027 ODI World Cup as well. However, one name that has impressed the coaching staff is Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has become an important all-round prospect for India’s future plans. Ans, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that Nitish Kumar Reddy is the closest replacement for Hardik Pandya in the seam-bowling all-rounder’s role.

Speaking ahead of the match, Ryan ten Doeschate said, “When Hardik’s fit, he obviously brings a different element because he’s such a strong batter, such a strong finisher. That sort of role scarcity is difficult to find – a finisher who can give you overs as well. So those guys are all tracking really nicely. Like I said with Nitish, for the last 18 months, he’s shown glimpses of how important he can be to this team, particularly in this format. I feel his body’s getting stronger and stronger, and I sort of feel he is the natural successor or back-up to Hardik.”

However, India have also given opportunities to players such as Harshit Rana and Gurnoor Brar, who made contribution with both bat and ball during the series. But, ten Doeschate clarified that these players are still viewed as bowling all-rounders as well.

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“I would still say the majority of those guys are bowling all-rounders. But certainly to see these other guys chipping in and working on their games, even someone like Gurnoor and Harshit again, they’re bowling all-rounders. But the fact that we feel we’ve got guys who can hold the bat at No.9 and obviously looking forward to the next 14-15 months, that is going to be very important, especially in South Africa when you want to play three proper out-and-out seamers. Those guys are going to need to bat. So yeah, a lot of good signs on the all-rounder front and also on the fast bowler front. I think it’s been refreshing this week to see Prince, Gurnoor, and Nabi,” he shared.

Ten Doeschate also confirmed that fresh faces could get an opportunity as Team India continue testing different combinations a swell.

“We will be making a few changes from the first two games. I think part of the brief coming into the series was that we wanted to try a few different combinations and give everyone a fair share of games. If someone like Arshdeep does very well in the first two games, he can take a rest tomorrow,” Ryan ten Doeschate concluded.