Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson were among the most talked-about performers from India’s recently concluded T20I series against Afghanistan, with both batters making their presence felt during the campaign. However, former India cricketer Hanuma Vihari had a different name in mind when asked to identify the biggest positive for the Indian team. Rather than focusing on the batting performances, Vihari highlighted an all-rounder and his progress with the ball.
Hanuma Vihari picks India’s biggest positive from the T20I series against Afghanistan
According to Vihari, Nitish Kumar Reddy was the biggest positive for Team India. He observed that Reddy’s return to bowling in the second T20I was the most encouraging development for India during the series. With Hardik Pandya injured and unavailable, the 23-year-old all-rounder has an opportunity to strengthen his claim for the fast-bowling all-rounder’s role.
Vihari acknowledged that comparisons with Hardik will naturally arise, particularly because both players offer value with bat and ball. However, he believes Reddy’s bowling has improved significantly and that further development could make him a more established option for India.
The former India batter added that while Reddy can continue improving his batting, his progress as a bowler has taken him closer to the level required for the all-rounder role. Vihari also believes there is scope for Reddy to increase his pace and continue working on his bowling and overall physical conditioning.
“I felt Nitish Kumar Reddy was the biggest positive of this series due to his comeback in bowling in the second match. You can always talk about whether he is equal to Hardik or not, batting can always improve, but with his improvement in bowling, he has come to that level,” said Vihari on his YouTube channel.
Fitness remains the biggest concern for the star all-rounder
While Vihari was impressed by Reddy’s bowling comeback, he identified one major question surrounding the youngster: his ability to remain fit and play consistently.
Reddy himself has recently returned from injury, making his fitness an important consideration as India manage their options ahead of a packed international schedule. Vihari stressed that the number of matches Reddy can play without another injury setback could ultimately determine how firmly he establishes himself in the team.
“I think he can still ramp up his pace and work on his bowling and body. How many matches can he consistently play injury-free? That is the biggest question. With Hardik also injured and not in the team, it depends on how Nitish can take that all-rounder slot,” explained Vihari.
Also WATCH: Nitish Kumar Reddy picks three wickets in an over to dismantle Afghanistan in AFG vs IND 3rd T20I
Vihari on the potential 2027 World Cup option for India
Vihari also linked Reddy’s development to India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He suggested that if Hardik is unable to regain full fitness in time for the tournament, Reddy could emerge as India’s preferred all-rounder. He also pointed towards Reddy’s selection for the West Indies ODI series after being withdrawn from India’s Asian Games 2026 squad. In Vihari’s view, that decision could be part of a broader effort to groom Reddy with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
While the Asian Games remain significant, Vihari believes the ODI World Cup is the bigger priority for India. With preparations already taking shape, Reddy’s bowling development and ability to stay injury-free could therefore become important factors in determining his role in the years ahead.
“If Hardik Pandya is not fit for the 2027 World Cup in time, then Nitish Kumar Reddy is your all-rounder. I think they are looking to groom him, as he was removed from the Asian Games squad and added for the ODI series against the West Indies, keeping the World Cup in mind. Asian Games is also important, no doubt, but the World Cup is your priority. They missed it in 2023 but will not want to miss it this time,” added Vihari.
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
