Nitish Kumar Reddy strengthens case as Hardik successor

Nitish Kumar Reddy took 14 runs in the 19th over and remained unbeaten on 26 off 13 balls in India's four-wicket win in the second T20I against New Zealand. The all-rounder also bowled his full four-over quota in the series opener, conceding 12 runs with a joint-best economy rate of 10.

Reddy is one of only two players named in India's T20I, ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand tour. Bowling coach Morne Morkel has publicly backed him as a player to watch who can produce a magical ball to unsettle batters.

The 25-year-old worked with fast-bowling coach Steffan Jones before the 2026 IPL to increase his pace from the mid-120s to the mid-130kph range. His fitness remains the primary concern after multiple injuries since his Test debut against Australia in 2024.