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Irfan Pathan backs Nitish Reddy to be India's next Hardik Pandya on one condition

Akshita Patel

Irfan Pathan backs Nitish Reddy to replace Hardik Pandya [Source: @SUNRISERSU/X.com]Irfan Pathan backs Nitish Reddy to replace Hardik Pandya [Source: @SUNRISERSU/X.com]

With Hardik Pandya rested, many believe this could be a big chance for Nitish Reddy to make his mark. But along with opportunity has come debate on how long Reddy should be backed?

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has a clear view on this. He believes Reddy needs time, trust, and a long rope.

Irfan Pathan wants continuous opportunities for Nitish Reddy

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan did not mince his words. He said that India lacks genuine seam-bowling all-rounders, and Nitish Reddy fits that rare profile. He added that selectors, team management and fans must show patience. 

"Nitish Reddy should be given more opportunities, even if he fails. There are not many all-rounders who can bowl at 130 kmph and can bat in the middle order. Hardik Pandya became the player he is now because he was played regularly for the first 2-3 years. The selectors, the team management, and fans will have to be patient with Nitish Kumar Reddy as well, just like they were with Pandya in the past," Pathan said.

Pathan admitted that Reddy’s performances at the international level have not been outstanding so far, apart from his memorable Test hundred in Australia, but insisted that talent needs time and backing.

"If we don't show patience, then we will never see the potential turn into performances. So far, the performances have not come from Nitish Reddy. After the Test Hundred in Melbourne, we have not seen anything special from him in Tests, When he has had opportunities in white-ball cricket, even there he has not done well. But there are no other players with such a skillset," he added.

Nitish Reddy’s numbers so far

Meanwhile, Nitish Reddy has played 10 Tests, 2 ODIs and 4 T20Is for India. With the bat, he averages 26.4 in Tests, 27 in ODIs and 45 in T20Is. His standout moment came in Melbourne, where he scored a century in tough conditions.

With the ball, Reddy has picked up five Test wickets at an average of 45.75 and three T20I wickets at 23.67. 

While these numbers may not be eye-catching yet, the team management sees him as a long-term option because of his pace, athleticism and ability to contribute in both departments.

With Pandya rested for the New Zealand series, Reddy is likely to get game time, giving him a chance to prove himself.

Injuries – the biggest roadblock in his journey

One of the worries surrounding Nitish Reddy has been the number of injuries he suffers regularly. In 2025 alone, he has already been injured in the England series, the IPL, the England Test tour, the Asia Cup, and the Australian ODI series.

This prompts questions about whether his playing abilities or rehabilitation regime need better management.

To extract the best out of Nitish Reddy, keeping his body fit will prove to be as important as he performs well to score and to take wickets.