Nitish Kumar Reddy makes himself available for Ranji Trophy after Gautam Gambhir's orders

Team India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who earned praise for his performance in Australia, is expected to feature in the second phase of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s participation could provide a valuable opportunity for further development amid murmurs over domestic cricket.

Nitish Kumar Reddy had a standout performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia, where he played all five Tests. The right-handed batter registered scores of 41 and 38* on debut in Perth. He scored his maiden Test century during the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne.

The young cricketer scored 298 runs in five Test matches at a decent average of 37.25. He also contributed with the ball, taking five wickets at an average of 38. The India national cricket team lost 1-3 to the Pat Cummins-led side, but Reddy was one of the best finds for India in the recently concluded series.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Might Be Available for Andhra in the Next Phase of the Ranji Trophy

Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was the second-highest run-scorer for India in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is expected to feature for Andhra Pradesh in the remaining matches of the Ranji Trophy. Reddy has only played one Ranji match this season before his stint in Australia.

Andhra Pradesh, currently seventh in Elite Group B, will take on Puducherry from January 23 and Rajasthan from January 30. With four points from three losses and two draws, Reddy’s inclusion could provide a boost to their chances of securing wins in the remaining fixtures.

Nitish has amassed 1077 runs in 28 first-class matches at an average of around 24, with two centuries to his name. In addition to his batting, he has taken 61 wickets at a bowling average of 27.88, including two five-wicket hauls.

That's Going to Be a Headache Now for India - Sanjay Manjrekar

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Nitish Kumar Reddy's standout batting performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could pose selection headaches for India. During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar noted that Reddy still has a lot to improve in his bowling skills.

"It's not going to be easy. He's got the fundamentals, so that's a long journey for him to become even a bit like Beau Webster, who looked good as a bowler. That's going to be a headache now for India because he's played the kind of innings that you don't see too many people playing," Manjrekar said.

"His innings quality wise was the best innings an Indian batter played in that series. It was not an attacking, you know, taking the bowlers on kind of innings. He showed every facet of his batting," the 59-year-old added.

KL Rahul Set to Miss Karnataka's Vijay Hazare Trophy Knockout Matches

Earlier, a report had said that KL Rahul will miss Karnataka's Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout matches as he takes a break, with his availability for the second phase of the Ranji Trophy, starting January 23, yet to be decided.

Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal is available for the VHT knockouts. Before heading to Australia for the India A tour, he scored four First-Class centuries in the Duleep Trophy and the first phase of the Ranji Trophy.

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