Vihari’s Take on Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Performance vs Afghanistan
The outstanding feature of India’s dominant campaign was Nitish Kumar Reddy‘s contribution, as emphasized by the batter.
In three games, Nitish secured six wickets at an economy rate of 8.78, finishing as the highest wicket-taker. Hanuma Vihari evaluated the series, with a particular emphasis on the performance of a single player.
On September 17, the final match was contested at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, and India concluded a 3-0 victory over Afghanistan in the three-match T20I series.
The series was characterized by exceptional individual performances from numerous players, with Abhishek Sharma being named the Player of the Series.
Sharma scored 229 runs over three innings, averaging 76.33. Sanju Samson also demonstrated his impressive abilities, scoring two fifties in three games, resulting in a total of 117 runs at an average of 39.00.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s bowling exploits during the Afghanistan series
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s bowling performance throughout the series illustrated his rehabilitation from injury. He was named Player of the Match after capturing three wickets for 24 runs in three overs during the second T20I.
From four overs, he secured three wickets for a total of 25 runs in the third T20I. He concluded the series with six wickets in three games. The initial match of the series was difficult for him, as he scored 30 runs in just two overs.
The left quadriceps issue that had flared up and deteriorated following India’s home ODI series against Afghanistan in June 2026 was the reason for the 23-year-old all-rounder’s return to action.
The BCCI Center of Excellence certified Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy to participate in the three-match T20I series, which commenced on September 13.
Assessment of Nitish Kumar Reddy’s World Cup prospects by Vihari
Vihari elaborated on Nitish Kumar Reddy’s involvement in India’s future plans, with a particular emphasis on the 2027 ODI World Cup. The batter suggested that team management is actively preparing the all-rounder for the 50-over format with the World Cup as a key objective.
India’s strategic considerations regarding the all-rounder position were evident in the selection decisions. The team management’s emphasis on Nitish Kumar Reddy’s preparation for the World Cup campaign was evident in his inclusion in the West Indies ODI squad, despite his exclusion from the Asian Games squad.
