Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Nitish Kumar Reddy has the potential to become India’s best white-ball all-rounder in the next decade. Reddy played a crucial cameo of 13-ball 26 in the second game against the Kiwis at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Saturday. He added 69 runs off 30 balls with Tilak Varma to get India over the line when the visitors were in trouble.
Furthermore, he returned with figures of 1-31 in three overs he bowled. Thus, he played an instrumental role in India’s four-wicket win.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “The way Nitish has batted, especially the comfort he has shown under pressure, will give both the team management and the team confidence. Look, I have absolutely no doubt about this. If Nitish Kumar Reddy stays fit, given that he is young, he could become India’s best white-ball all-rounder over the next 10 years.
“The reason is that this player has already scored a century in Australia. How many Asian all-rounders have gone to Australia and scored a hundred at the Melbourne Cricket Ground? Nitish Kumar Reddy has achieved that. He has the talent and the ability, and he is now translating that ability into performances during difficult situations,” he added.
Pathan said Reddy has impressed with the ball in the two T20Is against New Zealand in the ongoing series.
“The way Nitish Kumar Reddy has bowled in the last two matches has been impressive. He is bowling regularly, and we have seen several good moments from him with the ball, particularly his use of slower deliveries and bouncers. He was also given the opportunity to bowl in the final over of the last match, where he delivered some good balls.”
The third T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Henry Stadium, Wellington on Tuesday.
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