Nitish Kumar Reddy could be consistent number 6 for India: Irfan Pathan
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has backed 21-year-old all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as a promising candidate for India’s No. 6 position in Test cricket. Pathan, impressed by Reddy’s temperament and resilience during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, believes the youngster has what it takes to excel at the international level. He emphasized that while Reddy’s batting has already turned heads, further development in his bowling could make him a match-winning all-rounder.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been nothing short of remarkable, particularly given the challenges of debuting against a dominant Australian side. Pathan highlighted Reddy’s maiden century in the Melbourne Test as evidence of his capability to rise to the occasion in challenging conditions. Pathan highlighted Reddy’s maiden century in the Melbourne Test as evidence of his capability to rise to the occasion in challenging conditions.
“You have got an excellent prospect. It’s not easy at all for any batter to make his debut in Australia. We might show his century, but he was batting very well before that, he was reaching the 40-run mark regularly,” Irfan told Star Sports.
“However, when he scored a century, all of us started to feel that we got a player who could bat not at No. 8 or No. 7 but at No. 6. If he can consistently bat at No. 6, I feel he has that potential, India have got a terrific player, who can solve the combination to a large extent,” he added.
The young all-rounder delivered a standout moment in the Melbourne Test, scoring a gritty 114 in the first innings despite India succumbing to a 184-run defeat. Batting at No. 8, Reddy showcased his ability to counter a world-class bowling attack featuring Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland.
Stellar Performances Under Pressure
Reddy’s century in Melbourne was not just a personal milestone but also a testament to his composure in high-pressure situations. Adding an emotional touch, his father was present at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to witness his breakthrough moment. This knock followed consistent performances earlier in the series, where Reddy chipped in with valuable 40-run contributions in Perth and Adelaide, establishing himself as a reliable option in India’s middle order.
Consistency Across the Series
Over the course of the four-match series, Nitish Kumar Reddy accumulated 294 runs and picked up three wickets, underlining his all-round potential. His adaptability and determination on one of the most challenging tours for a debutant have made him a player to watch in the coming years.
While his batting has been a revelation, Reddy’s bowling remains a work in progress. Enhancing this aspect of his game could elevate him to the ranks of India’s elite all-rounders. With his performances already sparking conversations about his future, Nitish Kumar Reddy is undoubtedly a valuable asset for Indian cricket, poised to make a lasting impact.
