TOP STORIES

"He's 22": Hanuma Vihari defends Nitish Reddy amid selection scrutiny

Thursday, 15-Jan-2026 â—Ź 1 hr ago
News

Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's inclusion in the Indian playing XI for the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand has drawn mixed reactions. Amid the chatter, veteran batter Hanuma Vihari has defended the youngster, urging patience. Reddy was slotted into the team following an injury to Washington Sundar in the first ODI that ruled the spin-bowling all-rounder out for the remainder of the series.

Notably, Indian management brought in Ayush Badoni as a replacement for Washington Sundar. But, for the second ODI in Rajkot, the selectors opted for Reddy over Ayush Badoni. Reddy, on the other hand, in the second ODI, managed only 20 runs from 21 deliveries, failing to play a meaningful knock. With the ball, he was used sparingly, bowling just two overs and failing to pick up a wicket.

"Can you tell me anyone else in the country who is at the level of Nitish who can bat and bowl seam? And he's 22. You call a 22-year-old a 'bits and pieces' cricketer? Write him off just like that?" Vihari wrote in a post on X.

Meanwhile, addressing the press after the match, Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate felt that Reddy 'ends up not doing a heck of a lot in the games'. 

"With Nitish, we keep talking about developing him and getting him game time, and then when you do get him game time, he often ends up not doing a heck of a lot in the games," ten Doeschate said.

"For someone who's making his way – particularly with the bat tonight – that was the perfect chance where you're walking into that situation and you've got a chance to spend 15 overs at the wicket. You really have to take those chances to push your case to be selected," he said.

Tags

More News

News

Washington Sundar out of T20I series against New Zealand

43 mins ago

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, dealing a crushing blow ahead of the T20I World Cup 2026. The series against New Zealand, scheduled to be played from January 21 to 31, is being seen as a crucial phase in India’s build-up to the global tournament, which begins on February 7.

"Washington Sundar has b...


News

Pakistan confirm squads for white-ball series against South Africa women

4 hrs ago

Pakistan have named their squads for both the T20I and ODI series for their upcoming tour of South Africa, confirming that Fatima Sana will continue to lead the team in both formats. Pakistan Women have brought in a fresh phase of rebuilding by naming uncapped batter Saira Jabeen and fast bowler Humna Bilal in their T20I squad....


News

"We keep talking about developing him": Indian coach gives brutal assessment of Nitish Reddy's performance

5 hrs ago

Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate gave an honest assessment in the wake of India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday in Rajkot. Doeschate spoke candidly on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performances while also flagging concerns about captain Rohit Sharma’s match readiness.

Reddy, who was the only change in India’s playing XI for the seco...


News

Canada unveil T20 World Cup 2026 squad

6 hrs ago

Canada have unveiled their 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. All-rounder Dilpreet Bajwa has been named captain and will lead the side as they look to make an impact on the global stage. 

Canada are featuring in Group D, alongside South Africa, New Ze...


News

Pakistan to host Australia ahead of T20I World Cup 2026

6 hrs ago

Pakistan are set to host Australia in a three-match T20I series in the build-up to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The series will be crucial for both sides in their preparations for the global event. 

This will also mark Australia’s return to T20 cricket in Pakistan after a four-year gap. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ...