Former Indian batter Suresh Raina showered praise on Nitish Kumar Reddy amid Hardik Pandya’s injury concerns ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistan. Pandya has suffered a fresh injury and he is unlikely to play against Afghanistan.
However, Raina recalled that Reddy bowled with good pace and control during IPL 2026 for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Reddy has definitely increased his pace in the recent past and was seen bowling near the 140 kmph in the IPL.
Reddy scored 302 runs in 13 innings whereas he also bagged eight wickets in 14 matches of IPL 2026 and thus played a key role in taking SRH to the playoffs.
Raina said India should have a reliable backup ready for Hardik Pandya.
“Hardik Pandya has had several injury setbacks, which is a concern. By the time the next ODI World Cup arrives, India must have a reliable backup for him,” Raina said while speaking on JioStar’s ‘Follow the Blues’.
“Reddy’s batting has become more solid. He bowled with good pace and control in the IPL, and his fitness has also held up well. The team management will need to manage his workload carefully and give him consistent opportunities,” he said.
The former CSK vice-captain said both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will have key roles to play in the ODI World Cup 2026.
“Both are proven run-scorers in ICC World Cups. They have won ICC trophies and know how to handle pressure in knockout games. For Shubman Gill, captaining India in a World Cup, having Rohit and Virat alongside him will be a huge advantage,” Raina said.
India will take on Afghanistan in the first ODI at Dharamshala on Saturday. Meanwhile, ODI World Cup 2027 will commence on October 4 with the final set to be played on November 21.
