Aakash Chopra opens up about Indian think tank’s masterstroke after Nitish Kumar Reddy shines with bat and ball in 2nd T20I

Nitish Kumar Reddy dazzled with both bat and ball in the second T20I between India and Bangladesh.

The young seam-bowling all-rounder grabbed the opportunity with both hands, delivering a breathtaking performance in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and proving why the Indian cricket team management is keen to fast-track his development.

Batting at No. 4, Reddy hammered a blistering 74 off just 34 balls, studded with four fours and seven sixes, propelling India to a daunting total of 222 against Bangladesh.

It wasn’t just the right-hander’s destructive batting that turned heads, but also his seam bowling impressed one and all, returning with the brilliant figures of 2/23 in his four overs.

Nitish Kumar Reddy impresses Aakash Chopra with standout performance

His all-around brilliance played a significant role in Team India's commanding 86-run victory over Bangladesh, as the tourists could manage only 135/9 in their 20 overs. After the second T20I match, Nitish Kumar Reddy was adjudged Player of the Match for his remarkable all-round display in Delhi.

Reacting to the SRH all-rounder’s stunning performance, the former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said behind this outstanding display was a clear strategy from the Indian think tank. He said that the decision to promote Reddy to No. 4 was a masterstroke, designed to allow him to leave a lasting impact at the crease.

The cricket pandit further opined that batting in such a crucial position isn't handed out lightly, as the explosive players like Riyan Parag or Rinku Singh were overlooked for the number four batting position, so this was a clear signal that Reddy is being considered as a crucial part of India’s plans. Aakash Chopra said that India is fast-tracking Reddy into the spotlight.

They are fast-tracking him: Aakash Chopra on Nitish Kumar Reddy

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “I would say this match was dedicated to Nitish Kumar Reddy. What was being tried? He was made to bat at No. 4. You get a chance to leave a good impression at No. 4. You don't get that number quickly. Riyan Parag or Rinku Singh could have gotten that number, but the captain and coach asked Nitish Kumar Reddy to go there because they are fast-tracking him.”

Beyond his batting, Reddy is also being nurtured carefully with the ball, as the Indian cricket team is searching for a seam-bowling all-rounder who can complement or even back up Hardik Pandya. Reddy’s ability to step up in pressure situations is a sign that he could fill that role.

Aakash Chopra feels Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to fill the seam all-rounder role alongside Hardik Pandya

In the second T20I match, Reddy was asked to bowl the crucial 18th and 20th overs, and this move paid off as he took two wickets. So, the message is loud and clear that the Indian cricket team management believes the young sensation is ready for bigger things at the highest level.

Chopra further explained, “They want an all-rounder who doesn't replace Hardik but can at least stand shoulder to shoulder with him so that he can be available when required. For that, he needed to perform well, and you had to give him the position where he could have performed well.”

He signed off by saying, “After that, bowling. They got Hardik Pandya to bowl with the new ball in the first match. They asked Nitish to bowl two overs at the start here. He didn't get a wicket—no issues. He was asked to come later and bowl the 18th and 20th overs. He would definitely get wickets there. It was like a decisive effort that they had to get Nitish Kumar Reddy to do well.”