Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra praised Team India’s choice to include Nitish Kumar Reddy alongside Hardik Pandya in the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh. Reddy, a promising young player, has been promoted in the batting order ahead of Pandya during the first two T20Is.
Team India is set to play against Bangladesh in the final match of the series in Hyderabad on Saturday.Both Reddy and Pandya have been active participants in the series so far.
Chopra, in his recent YouTube video, appreciated the management’s decision to quickly integrate Reddy into the squad. “Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya – this is a fantastic thing the Indian team is trying to do at the moment… Nitish Reddy has been fast-tracked with the thinking that he should be played as much as possible,” Chopra stated.
Chopra acknowledged that while Reddy’s batting is strong, he needs to enhance his bowling abilities. He compared Reddy’s skills with those of the more experienced Pandya, noting, “He has been made to bat at No. 4 and given full overs… I would still say he is slightly underprepared in bowling because if you see his and Hardik’s bowling, Hardik is a much-refined version.”
Chopra praised Reddy’s aggressive batting, mentioning his power hitting capabilities. “However, Nitish Kumar Reddy has the ability with the bat. There is no doubt about that as he hits sixes while standing in his position… He batted well once he got a chance to open his arms,” Chopra said, referencing Reddy’s performance in Delhi.
Chopra expressed optimism about Reddy’s future performances, particularly in the upcoming Hyderabad match, emphasizing the player’s familiarity with the venue from the IPL. “His bowling will also suit here as the side boundaries are big. So, Nitish Kumar Reddy is that shining bright prospect for Team India,” Chopra concluded.
