Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has thrown his weight behind young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, advocating for his inclusion in India’s ODI squad. At just 21 years old, Reddy has already made significant strides in Test and T20I cricket with consistent performances, solidifying his position as one of India’s most promising emerging talents.
MSK Prasad believes Reddy’s recent form and adaptability make him a top contender for the ODI setup, especially with crucial tournaments on the horizon. Since his debut in November 2024, Nitish Kumar Reddy has impressed across formats. His standout performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia saw him amass 298 runs at an average of 37.25, including a memorable century during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Additionally, he showcased his bowling prowess by picking up five wickets in the series. In T20Is, Reddy has already made a mark, scoring 90 runs at an average of 45.00 and taking three wickets at 23.66 in a three-match series against Bangladesh. His achievements in IPL 2024, where he bagged the Emerging Player of the Year award, further highlight his potential.
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“ODIs are often described as a balance between the resilience of Test cricket and the explosiveness of T20s. Nitish has demonstrated a rare ability to excel in both formats, making a strong case for his inclusion in the ODI squad. His performances have shown that he can deliver under pressure and adapt to different situations, qualities crucial for any team’s success,” MSK Prasad said, speaking to the Times of India.
Reddy’s exploits in Australia particularly drew praise from Prasad, who emphasized the young cricketer’s composure against one of the most formidable bowling attacks in world cricket. “Facing Australia’s pace attack, which has over 1,000 wickets collectively, Nitish displayed remarkable temperament and technique. His performance in challenging conditions shows he is ready to take on the best,” Prasad added.
India’s immediate focus is on the upcoming three-match ODI series against England in February, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. Reddy’s inclusion in the ODI squad would bolster India’s preparations and add depth to the team.
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“Nitish has proven he is a star in the making. His ability to shine in tough conditions, alongside players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, makes him an asset for India’s cricketing future,” MSK Prasad concluded. With such ringing endorsements, Reddy’s ODI debut seems not just possible but imminent.
