Nitish Reddy Impresses Aakash Chopra After Afghanistan Heroics

Nitish Reddy made a match-winning bowling performance in India’s 7-wicket triumph over Afghanistan in the 2nd T20I at Delhi on September 15, 2026. The all-rounder got 3 wickets for 24 runs across 3 overs and was named Player of the Match. Reddy dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan to restrict Afghanistan to 159 for 8.

Cricket pundit Aakash Chopra emphasized India’s bowling control throughout the match and notably appreciated Nitish Reddy contribution. Chopra remarked that India’s biggest concern entering into the series was the performance of the fifth bowler and whether that guy could deliver wickets when required.

Nitish Reddy  role extended beyond his three-over period, as he was entrusted with bowling the final over of Afghanistan’s innings, a duty that showed India’s faith in his death-bowling abilities.

“What was India’s problem? India’s problem was what the fifth bowler would do, how he would bowl, and whether he would be able to pick up wickets. I am quite happy with the way things went.

Jasprit Bumrah conceded 25 runs in four overs and picked up a wicket. He is gold. He bowls the same way whenever you bowl him. Arshdeep Singh has had an excellent series – 35 runs in four overs and two wickets,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“Axar Patel – 28 runs in four overs. Once again, he bowled like a bank. Ravi Bishnoi conceded 32 runs and picked up a wicket. Nitish Reddy – 24 runs in three overs and three wickets. You even got him to bowl the 20th over.

Nitish Reddy has raised your expectations a little.

For the question of who after Hardik Pandya, he is putting his hat into the ring,” he added.

India’s chase was accomplished in 14.5 overs, with Sanju Samson batting 57 and Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan also scoring half-centuries to ensure a comfortable victory. The win gave India a 2-0 lead in the 3-match series. The irrelevant third T20I will be conducted at the same location on Thursday, September 17.