"Punching Below His Ability": Ex-India Coach's Big Verdict On Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy is being touted as the ideal successor to fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the Indian team. With Hardik struggling with recurring injuries, Reddy has earned a place in the side, and the team management is looking to groom the youngster for the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, despite playing 27 matches for India across all three formats, Reddy is yet to establish himself as a dependable performer due to inconsistent displays. Even in the ongoing T20Is against West Indies, Reddy has failed to leave a mark. 

Former India fielding coach R Sridhar shared his views on Reddy, stating that the Andhra Pradesh all-rounder is currently 'punching below his potential'. Nevertheless, Sridhar remains optimistic that the youngster will elevate his game ahead of the World Cup.

So far, Reddy has featured in 27 matches for India and scored 658 runs, including one century and two half-centuries. He has also claimed 21 wickets across the three formats.

"Nitish, I think, is slightly punching below his ability at the moment. Hopefully, he picks up more and picks up better with the bat. He's more than a capable batter," Sridhar told CricketNext, as quoted by News18. 

"Maybe Nitish Kumar could be a better product by then, or Hardik could come back super fit and play an absolutely blinder of a World Cup. So let's wait till we get more clarity on that position," he added.

After the ongoing series against the West Indies, India are scheduled to tour New Zealand for an all-format series comprising five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun believes that although India miss Hardik's services, Reddy has the potential to step into his shoes and make a significant impact.

"Hardik Pandya is an outstanding all-rounder. He'll surely be missed (in New Zealand). But then, in Nitish Kumar Reddy, I think we have an all-rounder candidate. He has got enough pace in him to bowl well at the international level," Arun said.

"It's one thing having the pace. How good are you at executing what you want to do? That is going to be very challenging. Under trying conditions, under pressure, if you are able to execute perfectly what you want to, then you are a winner," he added.

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