"I'm flexible..." - Nitish Reddy aims to oust Hardik Pandya from Indian team
Published - 07 Jul 2024, 03:32 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:15 AM
Young SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Nitish Reddy recently opened up about his role with the India national cricket team in the near future. Nitish Reddy stated that he is preparing to assume a role similar to white-ball vice-captain Hardik Pandya's in the Indian cricket team.
Hardik Pandya has been an irreplaceable player in India's white-ball team over the past few years. The all-rounder played a crucial role with both bat and ball in the recent T20 World Cup 2024. Pandya bowled critical overs in the final match to help the Men in Blue secure their second T20 World Cup title.
Nitish Reddy won the IPL 2024 Emerging Player of the Year award. He scored 303 runs in 13 innings with an average of 33.67 and a strike rate of 142.92. He also took three wickets at an economy rate of 11.62. Reddy was slated to debut in India's tour to Zimbabwe but had to withdraw due to an injury.
Won't Be Getting The Chance At The Top Order - Nitish Reddy
In an interview with NDTV, Nitish Reddy revealed his role in the Indian cricket team. He mentioned that he is preparing to play a role similar to Hardik Pandya, likely batting at number 6 or 7. However, Nitish said that he is flexible to bat wherever needed as per team requirements.
"There's a chance I'll get to play at no. 7 or no. 6, most likely a Hardik Pandya role. I'm flexible to bat wherever I'm asked to, but as of now I'm preparing for the role that Hardik Pandya is playing," said Reddy.
The 21-year-old acknowledged that he is unlikely to get a top-order position soon due to the presence of more experienced players. Nitish Reddy highlighted his readiness to adapt to any role, crediting his domestic cricket experience for this flexibility.
"If you ask me to open, I'll open as well. In the near future, I won't be getting the chance at the top order because there are more experienced players. I have to adapt to whatever role I'll get, and I've been prepared to adapt this way by domestic cricket," Reddy added.
My Inspiration Is Virat Kohli - Nitish Reddy
Nitish Reddy expressed excitement about becoming a brand ambassador for Puma, the same brand as his idol, Virat Kohli. Reddy emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities as senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20 internationals.
"I'm happy that there is a progression for youngsters who are performing well. After Rohit bhai (Rohit Sharma), Virat bhai (Virat Kohli) and Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja)'s retirements, there will be opportunities for youngsters. We need to grab them."
"My inspiration is Virat Kohli, so I'm really proud to be a part of Puma. Puma really supported me through the IPL, and the greatest thing is that they're providing opportunities to youngsters like myself and Riyan Parag."
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from the shorter international format following the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. The Men in Blue ended their 11-year ICC trophy drought with a seven-run victory over South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, on June 29.
