'Key contender for a spot' - MSK Prasad bats for Nitish Kumar Reddy's inclusion in ODIs

Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has backed young Nitish Kumar Reddy's inclusion in India's ODI squad. The 21-year-old all-rounder has already made headlines in Test and T20I cricket with brilliant performances, and Prasad believes Reddy’s consistent form makes him a top candidate for the ODI setup.

Nitish Kumar has made an instant impact since his debut in November 2024. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, scoring 298 runs at an average of 37.25 and picked five wickets. His breakthrough performance was a century in the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Reddy has also impressed in T20Is, with 90 runs at an average of 45.00 and three wickets at 23.66 in just three games in the T20I series against Bangladesh. Furthermore, in the IPL 2024, he was even awarded the Emerging Player of the Year.

“People often say that ODIs are a perfect blend of Test cricket’s resilience and T20 cricket’s explosiveness. Nitish has proven to be a rare combination of class and aggression, excelling across formats in his short but impactful international career. Having already seized opportunities in T20s and Tests, Nitish’s exceptional form and versatility make a strong case for his inclusion in India’s upcoming ODI squad against England. His consistency and ability to rise to the occasion also position him as a key contender for a spot in the Champions Trophy squad," Prasad was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Nitish shone brightly in Australia: MSK Prasad

Furthermore, MSK Prasad also lauded Reddy's performances in Australia, describing them as nothing short of extraordinary. Facing a tough Australian pace attack, Reddy's solid technique and consistency stood out.

Also Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy gets grand reception in Vizag after successful Australia series

“India has always celebrated cricketers who can adapt and excel across formats, and Nitish is undoubtedly one such talent. With his performances in Australia, he has not just passed the test but announced himself as a future mainstay of Indian cricket. He’s a star in the making," he added.

Meanwhile, India are gearing up for a three-match ODI series against England in February, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. With Reddy already a part of the T20 squad, his inclusion in the ODI setup could further strengthen India’s preparations.

“Nitish shone brightly in Australia. He has passed the acid test in Australia, showcasing remarkable composure and skill, along with (opener) Yashasvi Jaiswal. Facing one of the most formidable pace attacks in world cricket, boasting over 1,000 wickets among them, Nitish displayed solid technique and exceptional temperament, standing tall against all the challenges thrown his way. For someone visiting Australia for the first time, his performance was nothing short of extraordinary," he concluded.