Nitish Reddy was one of the few positives in a disappointing tour of Australia for Team India. While India suffered a crushing 3-1 loss in the five-match Test series, the young pacer managed to make a huge impact.
After being selected in the Test team, not many expected him to find a place in the playing eleven. However, the team management gave him a chance from the first Test and Nitish Reddy did not disappoint. He played in all five Tests and made a number of useful contributions.
He managed to contribute with both bat and ball during the series. With the bat, the Andhra all-rounder scored 298 runs at an average of 37.25, including a brilliant century in the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. With the ball, the youngster took five wickets at an average of 38.00.
Sanjay Bangar's predictions for Nitish Reddy:
With the all-rounder impressing on this challenging tour, many believe he is the next big thing in Indian cricket. Many have also backed him becoming a regular for Team India in all three formats. However, former India coach and batting coach Sanjay Bangar has a different view.
Speaking on Star Sports, the former cricketer said that Nitish Reddy will struggle to find a place in the ODI and T20I team. Not only this, Bangar also said that Reddy is unlikely to be selected in the squad for home Tests while describing him as a “very crucial member in away Test matches”.
Bangar made the comment when asked if Nitish Reddy would be selected in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against England.
“It's still early days for me. This is an opportunity for you. If you cast your mind back over the last 10-12 years, who is the guy who has done this job really well? Irrfan Pathan is the guy who comes to mind,” Sanjay Bangar said. Who bowled the new ball or changed one, and who also ran whenever necessary.”
“Irfan has come out of the Under-19 system. Nitish is not someone who has come out of the Under-19 system. He is past that stage. For me, he is a very critical member of the away Test matches. I don't,” Bangar added: “I think he will find a place whether In the 50-plus or T20 format or, for that matter, even in home Test matches.”
Speaking further, Bangar said that an all-rounder is one who can give the team the perfect balance for away Test matches. He said Nitish Reddy's real value lies in the Test squad for away matches. He also advised Reddy to hone his bowling skills at the National Cricket Academy.
“However, there is a player who can give you the perfect balance for your away Test matches and that is where the real value lies,” he said.
“That's where he doesn't necessarily travel with the Indian team, but when he's off national duty and off his official duties, the National Cricket Academy has a big role to play in terms of getting him up to that workload to be able to play 10 or 15 overs,” he added. “With really breakthrough, this is a very attractive opportunity.”
