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Since making his international debut in October 2024, Reddy has played three T20Is and five Test matches for India and scored 90 and 298 runs, respectively.
MSK Prasad bats for Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in India’s ODI squad. (Picture Credit: PTI, Sportzpics)
Impressed by 21-year-old all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance with the bat and ball in the three T20Is and five Test matches played so far, former India chief selector MSK Prasad bats for his selection in India’s ODI squad as well. India is set to face England in a three-match ODI series next month and then travel to Dubai to take part in the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy.
According to MSK, Nitish has already seized his opportunities in Tests and T20Is, and his exceptional form and versatility make him a strong contender to be part of the ODI team as well.
“People often say that ODIs are a perfect blend of Test cricket’s resilience and T20 cricket’s explosiveness. Nitish has proven to be a rare combination of class and aggression, excelling across formats in his short but impactful international career. Having already seized opportunities in T20s and Tests, Nitish’s exceptional form and versatility make a strong case for his inclusion in India’s upcoming ODI squad against England. His consistency and ability to rise to the occasion also position him as a key contender for a spot in the Champions Trophy squad,” Prasad was quoted as saying by Times of India.
“India has always celebrated cricketers who can adapt and excel across formats, and Nitish is undoubtedly one such talent. With his performances in Australia, he has not just passed the test but announced himself as a future mainstay of Indian cricket. He’s a star in the making,” he added.
Reddy made his Test debut for India on November 22 against Australia in Perth and played in all five matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where, with the help of one century, he amassed a total of 298 runs and also got rid of five batters.
Prasad was full of praise for Reddy’s knocks in the series Down Under and said, “Nitish shone brightly in Australia. He has passed the acid test in Australia, showcasing remarkable composure and skill, along with (opener) Yashasvi Jaiswal. Facing one of the most formidable pace attacks in world cricket, boasting over 1,000 wickets among them, Nitish displayed solid technique and exceptional temperament, standing tall against all the challenges thrown his way. For someone visiting Australia for the first time, his performance was nothing short of extraordinary.”
