Young India stars who can dismantle Australia as an X-factor in ODIs

Nitish Kumar Reddy [Source: AFP]

Team India is all set for an exciting white-ball series against Australia starting on October 19, with three ODIs followed by five T20I matches. India’s squad for the ODI series will be led by Shubman Gill, who steps in as captain in place of Rohit Sharma, with Shreyas Iyer as his deputy. 

Notably, Rohit and Virat Kohli will return to the series after fresh off India’s Champions Trophy 2025 win in March. Among them, 3 Indian players stand out as potential X-factors, game-changers who can turn the match on its head with either bat or ball.

Nitish Kumar Reddy

One of the most exciting young names to watch is Nitish Kumar Reddy. Though he hasn’t yet played 50-over match for India. However, this series could be his big break as Hardik Pandya is not a part of the Australia series. The star all-rounder is currently recovering from injury and Reddy might just get the perfect opportunity to show his all-round talent.

• Fans of IPL 2024 will remember Reddy’s explosive performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 22-year-old all-rounder impressed everyone with his fearless hitting and ability to finish games under pressure. Batting in the middle order, he often rescued his team when early wickets fell and showed a cool head and solid technique.
• Meanwhile, Reddy also offers value as a part-time medium-fast bowler. While he may not be a strike bowler, his ability to bowl steady overs can relieve pressure on the main bowlers.

[Nitish Kumar Reddy's List A batting stats]

[Nitish Kumar Reddy's List A bowling stats]

Notably, In List A cricket, Reddy has scored 403 runs in 15 innings at an average of 36.63, with 2 centuries and 3 fifties. With the ball, he has 14 wickets in 20 innings, proving he can contribute in both departments. 

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar is another player who brings a lot of balance to the team. Having already shown his class in Test cricket, Sundar brings the ability to adapt to different situations makes him a valuable asset in ODIs as well.

• The young all-rounder is a smart off-spinner who can bowl both in the powerplay and during the middle overs, controlling the run rate and picking up wickets at crucial moments. Against teams like Australia, who have strong left-handed batters, his off-spin, which naturally turns away from them, can be a major advantage.
• Notably, Sundar is also a dependable middle-order batter. He can shift gears depending on the situation, stabilising the innings or hitting big when needed.

[Washington Sundar's ODIs bowling stats]

[Washington Sundar's ODIs bowling stats]

In 23 ODIs, Sundar has taken 24 wickets at an economy rate of 4.84, and with the bat, he has scored 329 runs in 15 innings, averaging 23.50 with a strike rate of 83.50. His ability to contribute in both areas, along with his calm temperament, makes him a potential game-changer for India.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

The third name on the list is Yashasvi Jaiswal, one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket. Though he has played just one ODI so far, scoring 15 runs against England, however, he has already impressed everyone with his fearless batting in Test cricket and the IPL.

• A left-handed opener known for his attacking style, Jaiswal loves taking on fast bowlers from the start. His ability to dominate in the early overs can give India a solid platform and put the opposition under pressure.
• In List A cricket, Jaiswal has scored 1,526 runs in 33 innings at an average of 52.62, including 5 centuries and 7 fifties, with a strike rate of 85.97. Those numbers show his consistency and ability to build big innings.

Notably, Jaiswal’s hunger for runs and confidence against pace make him a potential X-factor, especially if he can convert his domestic and IPL form into success.

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