MUMBAI: India's former chief selector MSK Prasad has batted for talented allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's inclusion in the Indian ODI team too.
The 21-year-old, who scored a century in the fourth Test of the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Boxing Day Test, has already played five Tests (298 runs@37.25 & five wickets@38.00) and three T20Is (90 runs@45.00 & three wickets@23.66), but is yet to make his ODI debut.
While the Andhra and Sunrisers Hyderabad youngster is set to be a part of Team India for the home T20I series against England, Prasad wants the national selector to pick Reddy for the three-match ODI series against England (beginning in Nagpur from February 6)and later the ICC Champions Trophy in February.
"People often say that One-Day Internationals (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 told TOI.
"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," complimented the former India wicketkeeper.
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Praising his impressive performances in Australia, where he was on his maiden Test tour, Prasad said, "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.
"Nitish's rise to prominence began with the IPL 2024 season, where he was deservedly adjudged the Emerging Player of the Year. This accolade earned him a spot in the Indian T20 squad, and he didn't disappoint, winning the Man of the Match award in one of the T20 internationals with a stellar performance."
