India’s search for a dependable fast-bowling all-rounder in the absence of Hardik Pandya has brought Nitish Kumar Reddy into focus. The young Andhra Pradesh cricketer has shown promise with both bat and ball, but he still needs to deliver more consistently to establish himself as a reliable option for the Indian team ahead of the ODI World Cup in South Africa next year. Former India fielding coach R Sridhar believes Nitish is yet to fulfil his batting potential. However, he remains optimistic that the all-rounder can improve significantly over the next 12 months and strengthen his claim for a regular place in the national setup.
Speaking to CricketNext, R Sridhar stressed that Nitish has the ability to contribute more with the bat. “Nitish, I think, is slightly punching below his ability at the moment. Hopefully, he picks up more and picks up better with the bat. He’s more than a capable batter,” Sridhar said.
With India scheduled to tour New Zealand for an all-format series later this month, Nitish could have an opportunity to demonstrate his value, particularly with Hardik dealing with fitness concerns. However, Sridhar believes it is too early to make a definitive call on who should replace the experienced all-rounder if he is unavailable for the World Cup.
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“Maybe Nitish Kumar could be a better product by then, or Hardik could come back super fit and play an absolutely blinder of a World Cup. So let’s wait till we get more clarity on that position,” he added. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun also believes Nitish has the attributes required to become a successful international all-rounder. In particular, Arun highlighted the youngster’s ability to generate pace, which could make him a valuable option in India’s fast-bowling department.
However, Arun pointed out that raw pace alone would not be enough. Nitish must learn to execute his plans under pressure and deliver consistently in challenging conditions to make a lasting impact at the highest level.
“Hardik Pandya is an outstanding all-rounder. He’ll surely be missed (in New Zealand). But then, in Nitish Kumar Reddy, I think we have an all-rounder candidate. He has got enough pace in him to bowl well at the international level,” Bharat Arun said. “It’s one thing having the pace. How good are you at executing what you want to do? That is going to be very challenging. Under trying conditions, under pressure, if you are able to execute perfectly what you want to, then you are a winner,” he added.
Arun further emphasised that Nitish’s work ethic will determine whether he can turn his potential into consistent performances for India. “If Nitish Kumar wants to fill the slot as an all-rounder, he should be looking to be exactly that. If you ask me if he has the ability to do it, I would say yes. But how hard he works to get that ability into something which would help his team remains to be seen,” Bharat Arun said.
Despite the growing discussion around Nitish, Sridhar remains hopeful that Hardik will overcome his fitness challenges and be available for the World Cup. The former fielding coach praised Hardik’s fighting spirit and backed him to work his way back to full fitness.
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“Hardik is terrific. He is a fighter. He’s somebody who’s not going to give up that easily. So I’m sure he will overcome the challenges he’s having at the moment and make himself fit and available for the World Cup. Fingers crossed on that,” R Sridhar said.
Sridhar also mentioned Shivam Dube and Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge as potential options for India. He believes Dube offers value when contributing with both bat and ball, while Shedge impressed with his batting during the India A match against Australia. With the World Cup still some time away, Nitish has an opportunity to strengthen his credentials. Consistency with the bat, improved bowling execution and the ability to perform under pressure will be crucial if he hopes to emerge as a dependable alternative to Hardik Pandya.
