Former India cricketer-turned-veteran commentator Wasim Jaffer has named Nitish Kumar Reddy and Suryansh Shedge as potential like-for-like replacements for Hardik Pandya when he is unavailable. His comments came after India’s 4-0 defeat to England in the five-match T20I series, which concluded on July 11 as well.

Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Wasim Jaffer Official), Jaffer said: “If you’re looking for a like-for-like replacement who can bowl two or three overs and also contribute with the bat, then, in my opinion, Nitish Reddy and Suryansh Shedge fit that role. Shivam Dube isn’t as capable with the ball. He probably isn’t the first option you’d turn to if you need someone to bowl. But I think Nitish Reddy and perhaps Suryansh Shedge are the first two names you would look at whenever Hardik isn’t available.”

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“One area he (Shivam Dube) needs to improve is his fielding. That’s one issue with him. He’s a bit weak in the field, and you often have to hide him while fielding. So, I think he needs to raise his fielding standards. He’s been playing for India for quite some time now,” he stated.

However, Wasim Jaffer added that Suryansh Shedge has the potential to succeed at the international level, citing his bowling variations and ability to hit big shots. He shared that India should continue backing the 23-year-old.

“Suryansh Shedge, I think he has the potential. You can see that he has variations in his bowling, and he is capable with the bat as well. He can hit the ball hard. They’ve given Suryansh Shedge an opportunity, and I just feel that he has the potential. They should continue backing him,” he concluded.