Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter MSK Prasad said that Nitish Kumar Reddy’s recent increase in bowling speed is a key reason behind the team management backing him in all three formats. With veteran allrounder Hardik Pandya out with an injury since the 2026 T20 World Cup, India have often played Nitish in the white-ball formats as well. In the shortest format, he averages an impressive 30.60 at a strike rate of 173.86 for India, while also averaging under 21 with the ball as well.

Talking about Nitish’s all-format future, MSK Prasad said to the Hindustan Times: “As far as batting is concerned, we already saw him getting a century in Melbourne (Test match). And, from a bowling point of view also, he has improved his pace. Earlier, his pace was hardly in the 120s, but he has reached the 140s, which is a good sign. I think he will definitely be a big asset. That is the reason why selectors are backing him in all three formats.”

“It is going to be very important because he is picked for all three formats now. And more importantly, with Pandya being out because of injury, it clearly shows that he is the next best all-rounder available in the country. So, that itself is a big boost for him to make a mark for himself,” he further added.

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MSK Prasad also believes that role clarity, depending on conditions, will be important for Nitish Kumar Reddy as he evolves into a match-winner for India as well.

“Eventually, he will evolve (into a match-winner). More importantly, the team management and he, all of them, should understand what exactly his role is. Is he just a stop-gap bowler, or does he have a more important role? In away conditions, his role might change. So, he should understand that role and then play to his potential,” concluded MSK Prasad.