BGT 2024-25: Irfan Pathan backs Nitish Kumar Reddy as India’s future no. 6 in tests
Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has identified 21-year-old all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as a strong contender for India’s No. 6 spot in Test cricket. Pathan, impressed by Reddy’s composure and performances during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, believes the youngster has the potential to thrive at the international level. While highlighting Reddy’s impressive batting, Pathan emphasized that further development in his bowling could transform him into a match-winning all-rounder.
Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered an exceptional performance in the series, particularly considering the challenge of debuting against Australia. Pathan pointed to Reddy’s maiden century in the Melbourne Test as proof of his ability to perform under pressure.
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"You have got an excellent prospect. It's not easy at all for any batter to make his debut in Australia. We might show his century, but he was batting very well before that, he was reaching the 40-run mark regularly," Pathan told Star Sports.
"However, when he scored a century, all of us started to feel that we got a player who could bat not at No. 8 or No. 7 but at No. 6. If he can consistently bat at No. 6, I feel he has that potential, India have got a terrific player, who can solve the combination to a large extent," he added.
Reddy’s standout moment came in the Melbourne Test, where he scored a determined 114 in the first innings, despite India losing by 184 runs. Batting at No. 8, he held his ground against a formidable Australian attack featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland.
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Adding an emotional touch to the occasion, Reddy’s father was present at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to witness his son’s century. Earlier in the series, Reddy also contributed with consistent 40-run scores in Perth and Adelaide, proving his value as a dependable middle-order batter.
Across the four-match series, Reddy amassed 294 runs and took three wickets, showcasing his all-round capabilities. While his batting has drawn praise, improving his bowling could further boost his credentials as a top-tier all-rounder.
With his debut series highlighting his grit and talent, Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a promising player for India’s future.
