# All-Rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy Steadies India’s Ship in 2nd ODI Against New Zealand

URL: https://technosports.co.in/all-rounder-nitish-kumar-reddy-steadies-indias/  
Published: 2026-01-15  
Updated: 2026-01-15  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

In a crucial team adjustment ahead of the second One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand, the Indian cricket team’s management confirmed the inclusion of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI. The move comes as a direct response to the injury sustained by Washington Sundar, who was ruled out of the remainder of the series with a rib strain following the first ODI in Vadodara.

The 22-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batter stepped into the lineup for the match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

## Nitish Kumar Reddy: A Necessary Change to Maintain Team Balance

Captain Shubman Gill announced the solitary change at the toss, highlighting the team’s need to maintain an all-round option for balance and depth in both the batting and bowling departments. The Andhra all-rounder’s selection was favored by the team management, despite Ayush Badoni being named as the official squad replacement for Washington Sundar by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

![Nitish Kumar Reddy](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-933.png)

The decision to feature Reddy in the playing XI over Badoni points towards a strategic preference for a fast-bowling all-rounder, a role increasingly vital in modern white-ball cricket. His inclusion is also viewed in the context of building alternatives to the injury-prone Hardik Pandya, keeping future international assignments in mind, including the upcoming T20 World Cup.

## Reddy’s Rising Profile on the International Stage

While his inclusion in the XI for this second ODI represents a new opportunity, Nitish Kumar Reddy is already establishing himself as one of India’s most promising talents across formats.

- He had previously made his ODI debut against Australia in October 2025.
- He is notable for becoming the first cricketer from Andhra Pradesh to represent India in all three international formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).
- In domestic cricket, he represents Andhra and is a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Reddy’s multifaceted skills, which offer valuable flexibility to the squad, are expected to be particularly handy on a Rajkot pitch that the Indian skipper suggested may slow down as the game progresses. The team will look to the young all-rounder to deliver a performance that can help seal the series against New Zealand, who are showing great resilience despite the first-match loss.

[GATE 2026 Admit Card Released: IIT Guwahati Activates Download Link on Official Portal](https://technosports.co.in/gate-2026-admit-card-released-iit-guwahati/)