Sanjay Manjrekar lauds ‘talented’ Nitish Kumar Reddy after impressive start in BGT 2024-25

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has showered praise on talented Nitish Kumar Reddy after his impressive start to his Test career in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. Reddy made his Test debut at Perth and top-scored for India in the first innings with 41 runs to help the visitors post 150 runs.

The 21-year-old then top-scored in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide as he returned with scores of 42 in both innings. 

While Reddy dismissed Mitchell Marsh in the opening Test, he accounted for a well-settled Marnus Labuschagne in the second game. However, Manjrekar reckons India should also look to make their bowling sharper in Brisbane after their insipid performance at Adelaide.

“Exceptional batting talent there, and you can see it. Maybe the kind of batting talent that gets better with higher-quality bowling. He hasn’t got many runs in first-class cricket, but you can see the rare batting talent there,” Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo.

The cricketer-turned-commentator feels it will be too risky to play Reddy as a pure batter in the side.

“India also has to think about the balance of the team. India also have to look to make their bowling sharper along with solving the batting issues. Nitish has shown some spark at the moment. Somebody suggested, what about playing him as a pure batter in the side. Bit risky, bit too early.”

Nitish Kumar Reddy has impressed in his young career and he is definitely going to hold the key for India in the rest of the series. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel had said before the series that Reddy will be a player to look out for and the youngster is living up to the expectations.

The third Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Gabba, Brisbane from December 14.