Is Nitish Kumar Reddy India's next Hardik Pandya? Dinesh Karthik was excited about the SRH all-rounder's potential ahead of his T20I debut against Bangladesh

Nitish Kumar Reddy is being touted as the next big thing in India's plethora of all-rounders. S. Former cricketer Dinesh Karthik expressed excitement after the youngster was called up for the upcoming Bangladesh series for the first time in India.

Nitish caught the eye of the masses in the last season of the Indian Premier League, representing eventual runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The local was one of the franchise's most consistent players, winning the Emerging Player Award in his second season.

The 21-year-old received his first call-up for India for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. After having to miss the Zimbabwe tour due to injury, he is finally ready to make his India debut.

Ahead of the first T20I on Sunday, Dinesh Karthik spoke about the Andhra all-rounder's abilities in an interview with Cricbuzz.

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Can Nitish Kumar Reddy repeat Hardik Pandya's success for Team India?

Despite success in the last 12 months, India's veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik disagreed with the notion of putting Nitish Reddy on par with Hardik Pandya in terms of his all-round abilities.

The 39-year-old has expressed his doubts about Reddy's bowling abilities. A fully fit Hardik, on the other hand, is a safe four-over quota player.

However, Karthik believes Reddy makes up for this with his exceptional fielding and batting skills, calling him “one of the fastest outfielders” in India.

“I wouldn't put him in the mold of Hardik Pandya and I say that because you are not guaranteed four overs of Nitish Kumar Reddy at the moment,” Karthik explained.

“He could develop into a Hardik Pandya-style all-rounder but what we can be very excited about is his batting talent. He's an outstanding fielder – one of the fastest in the country, so that's another big plus.” “

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What did Dinesh Karthik say about Nitish Kumar Reddy's batting skills?

Karthik praised Nitish Reddy's batting performances for SRH in IPL 2024. The Hyderabad-based team was one of the most aggressive batting sides last season and Reddy lived up to that claim by scoring his first runs in the IPL.

“What I really like about him is that it is not easy for SRH to play as a middle-order batter because the pace at which Head and Abhishek start is very different than any other IPL team, they just have a flyer. What Nitish Reddy. “I did really well to come and maintain that pace and that takes skill.”

Karthik described Nitish as someone who would “thrive if given the opportunity”. The BCCI has given Nitish a chance to shine as the 21-year-old makes his India debut in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior on Sunday.

“He is again a young boy who, if given the chance, will flourish for Indian cricket. I am very happy for Nitish Kumar Reddy, after a long time we have seen another cricketer from Andhra, so these are all good signs for Indian cricket,” DK concluded while speaking on Cricbuzz.

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How did Nitish Kumar Reddy perform in IPL 2024?

Batting record:

Bowling record:

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