Nitish Kumar Reddy's red-ball focus signals shift from Pandya model

Nitish Kumar Reddy opened the bowling for India in the first ODI against West Indies, sharing the new ball with Prasidh Krishna. The 23-year-old conceded 18 runs in his first over but took a wicket in the final over, finishing with one for 45 from five overs.

India are developing Reddy as a potential successor to Hardik Pandya, who has been ruled out of the India A series against Australia A with a shin injury. Bowling coach Morne Morkel said the team wants Reddy to be consistent and fulfil the basics rather than create opportunities.

Reddy has bowled just 12.5 overs per first-class match on average since May 2025 and just over five overs per ODI since October 2025. Morkel indicated Reddy is not expected to be a full-fledged all-rounder but a passable one who contributes with the bat.