‘Hardik is a much-refined version’ - Aakash Chopra reflects on Nitish-Hardik duo ahead of third Bangladesh T20I

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra recently came forward and heaped praise on Nitish Kumar Reddy for competing alongside Hardik Pandya in the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh. Acknowledging Reddy’s potential as a star, Aakash Chopra highlighted the bowling capabilities of Hardik Pandya as well. 

It is worth noting that India will take on Bangladesh in the third T20I of the ongoing series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 12. 

"Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya - this is a fantastic thing the Indian team are trying to do at the moment. Shivam Dube used to be a part of this team but he isn't there now. Tilak Varma has come in his place. Nitish Reddy has been fast-tracked with the thinking that he should be played as much as possible,” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel. 

Also Read: Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson might regret wasting their chances: Aakash Chopra

"He has been made to bat at No. 4 and given full overs. They are trying to prepare him because the potential is evident. I would still say he is slightly underprepared in bowling because if you see his and Hardik's bowling, Hardik is a much-refined version, bowls with great experience and picks up wickets," he added.

Nitish Kumar Reddy has the ability with the bat: Chopra

While praising Pandya’s ability to make a significant difference with the ball, Aakash Chopra was not shy of praising Nitish Kumar Reddy for his skill with the bat. It is worth noting that representing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Reddy has put in some good performances, scoring 303 runs in 11 innings in the IPL 2024.

"However, Nitish Kumar Reddy has the ability with the bat. There is no doubt about that as he hits sixes while standing in his position. He opens up his front leg, clears the line, and hits. We saw him playing differently in the last match. Both he and Rinku Singh started slowly, he got a life as well, but batted well once he got a chance to open his arms," Chopra said.