Asia Cup 2025: Hardik Pandya's replacement being readied at historic pace

Team India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is making progress in his knee rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin on September 9. Reddy is aiming to return for the Asia Cup amid reports that Hardik Pandya’s availability remains uncertain.

Hardik Pandya is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru in preparation for the Asia Cup. The Mumbai Indians captain is set to undergo routine fitness assessments on August 11 and 12 as part of his readiness for the upcoming tournament. Hardik Pandya has been training in Mumbai since mid-July.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Suffered a Knee Injury During the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

The pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy made important contributions with both ball and bat during the third Test at Lord’s. Nitish Kumar Reddy took three wickets and recorded scores of 30 and 13 runs. Nitish built crucial partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja but was ruled out of the last two Tests due to a knee injury.

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The 22-year-old’s injury, initially feared serious, is reportedly a mild Grade I ligament strain rather than a severe tear. After a week of rehab at the BCCI Centre in Bengaluru, he remains hopeful of a full recovery ahead of the Asia Cup.

With nearly a month before India’s Asia Cup opener against the UAE on September 10, the all-rounder has time to regain fitness and prepare for the tournament.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Undergoes Rehab and Eyes Asia Cup Comeback

According to a report by The Telegraph India, Nitish Kumar Reddy started his rehabilitation at home after returning from England. He then moved to the Centre of Excellence for a full recovery program last week. Nitish is optimistic about making the Asia Cup squad.

“Nitish began his rehab at home first after returning from England. He then headed to the Centre of Excellence last week and is stationed there for a full-fledged recovery process,” a BCCI official said on Monday.

“So far, his rehab has gone well. Things will be clearer by next week. But yes, he’s certainly striving to make the Asia Cup squad and hasn’t given up hope at all. One big advantage of Nitish is that he’s only 22, which should help in recovering faster.”

He Doesn’t Take Failure or Setbacks to Heart - Former Andhra Coach on Nitish Kumar Reddy

Former Andhra coach Charles David Thomson lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy for his work ethic. He stated that the injury before the Manchester Test was unfortunate. Thomson also expressed confidence that the young player will recover and return to the field sooner than expected.

“This injury that happened to him before the Manchester Test was quite unfortunate, but Nitish is a guy who’s determined to return stronger after a setback. He’s a guy who doesn’t take a failure or setback to heart,” Thomson said.

“And after his inclusion in the Sunrisers Hyderabad team, we saw what he’s capable of. So, knowing Nitish, his nature and his ability to adapt, I’m confident he’ll return to action sooner than expected,” he added.

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