"Nitish Kumar Reddy has been rewarded for his IPL performance": Zaheer Khan hails all-rounder

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan said that Nitish Kumar Reddy has been rewarded for his stunning performance in the IPL 2024 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), as the young all-rounder is all set to make his much-awaited international debut in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.

All-rounders are the biggest demand in Indian cricket, and the Indian cricket team needs all-rounders in every format, whether be it white-ball cricket or red-ball cricket. And one name that has recently caught the attention of the selectors and cricket experts is Nitish.

Nitish Kumar Reddy set for India debut after IPL heroics

Reddy, a promising young talent who made waves during the IPL 2024, showcased his potential by amassing over 300 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His remarkable performances didn’t go unnoticed, as he earned his maiden call-up to the India squad for the Zimbabwe tour.

However, fate had other plans, as an untimely injury delayed Reddy from donning the India jersey on the Zimbabwe tour. Well, despite the setback, the all-rounder got another opportunity to realize his dream after being named in the India squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

Now, with his selection for the upcoming T20I series, the spotlight is firmly on Nitish, as he is expected to make his debut in the home series starting on Sunday, October 6, at the Gwalior International Cricket Stadium in Gwalior.

Nitish Kumar Reddy must be looking forward to Bangladesh series: Zaheer Khan

The Indian team management is banking on Reddy’s all-round abilities, hoping to find another dynamic option that can complement senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya. As the SRH all-rounder prepares for his big break, the pressure to perform and cement his place in the team will undoubtedly be immense.

If he delivers, India might just find the next all-rounder capable of making an impact across all formats. And Zaheer said that the upcoming Bangladesh series will be crucial to Reddy's ambitions, stressing the youngster will be eager to make an impact after missing the Zimbabwe tour.

Nitish has been rewarded for his IPL performance: Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan said on Cricbuzz: “Yes, when you look at this format, you will see many new faces. They are being given opportunities in a way that is a good thought. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been rewarded for his IPL performance.

In the last series, when he was selected, he was not able to be a part of the squad due to injury. Sometimes, that also morally downplays you as a player. So, he must be looking forward to this series, so that he gets a chance and cements his place.”

Earlier, the former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said that SRH would be praying that Nitish Kumar Reddy remains uncapped until the IPL 2025 mega auction. Chopra added that SRH would be saying, 'Please don't play him in the T20I series against Bangladesh.'.

With an experienced all-rounder like Hardik already in the squad, it's highly unlikely that Nitish Kumar Reddy will make it into India's playing XI in the first T20I series against Bangladesh, but he can get an opportunity in one of the three matches of the home series.