India bowling coach, Morne Morkel, said the team plans to use the ODI series against Afghanistan to assess its squad depth following Hardik Pandya's latest injury setback. The absence of the experienced all-rounder could provide Nitish Kumar Reddy with a valuable opportunity to establish himself in the ODI setup.
Hardik Pandya's recurring fitness issues have raised concerns about his long-term availability in the format. His frequent injuries have affected India's team balance in the past, including during major tournaments. Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a strong contender for a regular all-rounder's role in the side.
Morne Morkel said that India always prepares multiple options for every position, including the all-rounder's role. The bowling coach revealed that Hardik Pandya suffered an injury before joining the squad.
"You plan, you look at your options like we do in batting and bowling. Same as with the all-rounders. Unfortunately, Hardik is missing this series. He picked up a niggle, quite a niggle, very close to joining camp," he said in the press conference.
"But again, it's another opportunity now for Nitish Kumar Reddy. He's been playing beautifully in the last two years," said Morkel when asked how India are planning for life beyond Hardik.
Nitish has made steady progress with both bat and ball over the past two years. His development was evident during IPL 2026, where he delivered consistent performances and even took on new-ball responsibilities for his team.
We're Excited to See Him on the International Stage - Morne Morkel on Nitish Kumar Reddy
Morne Morkel said Nitish Kumar Reddy has made significant improvements. He stated that adjustments to his technique have helped him become more balanced at the crease, allowing him to perform more effectively with both bat and ball.
"When the players get the opportunity to work and develop their own game, look at areas where they can improve. And Nitish did that. It was from a technical point of view to get him a little bit better at the crease, more balanced, so the energy flows down the wicket," Morkel said.
"In both departments, there's improvement. So, yeah, we're excited for him to get an opportunity and see how he puts that together on an international stage. And, yeah, it's always nice to have that extra helping hand," he added.
Nitish has also increased his bowling pace after making those technical adjustments. His all-round skills have strengthened his case as a long-term option for India heading into future ICC events.
Afghanistan ODIs Offer Nitish Kumar Reddy a Big World Cup Opportunity
Nitish Kumar Reddy has played only eight white-ball matches for India so far, including four ODIs and four T20Is. Despite his limited white-ball experience, Nitish already has 10 Test appearances and scored a memorable Test century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
His opportunities in limited-overs cricket have been restricted by Hardik Pandya's presence and India's preference for spin-bowling all-rounders such as Axar Patel in home conditions.
The ODI series against Afghanistan could be crucial for Nitish with the 2027 World Cup approaching. Hardik will be 34 by then, and India are aware of the risks that come with relying heavily on one seam-bowling all-rounder.
Hardik Pandya's injury during the 2023 World Cup forced India to alter its balance, although Mohammed Shami's outstanding performances helped the team recover. South African conditions are expected to favor pace-bowling all-rounders during the next World Cup.
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