Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the Men in Blue have unearthed a cricketer capable of providing captain Shubman Gill with invaluable flexibility by contributing with both bat and ball. The legendary opener pointed to the youngster’s disciplined bowling performance, particularly his ability to execute yorkers, as evidence that he can effectively serve as the team’s fifth or sixth bowling option while strengthening the batting lineup.
Sunil Gavaskar picks the ‘X Factor’ player for Team India
Gavaskar revealed that Nitish Reddy is the player he believes can offer India invaluable balance as an all-round option. Highlighting his performance with the ball, the former India captain pointed to Reddy’s dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz as the standout moment of the spell, with the batter undone by a pinpoint yorker that showcased one of the youngster’s biggest strengths. According to Gavaskar, the lesson is simple: sticking to a reliable strength can be more effective than overcomplicating plans with unnecessary variations.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up a huge wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz with a perfect yorker. If you can nail yorkers like that, you become a valuable asset. Every time he tried something fancy, it went for runs. But every time he went back to the yorker, it worked,” Gavaskar said on JioStar.
Beyond the individual wicket, Gavaskar emphasized the strategic importance of having a player who can seamlessly switch between roles. He believes Reddy’s all-round capabilities could provide India with much-needed balance in different conditions and formats.
“So, here’s the takeaway. India now have a player in Nitish Kumar Reddy who can fill the role of a fifth or sixth bowler. Depending on the pitch and match situation, he gives the captain and selectors flexibility. ‘Pick me as a batter, pick me as a bowler, I am ready.’ That is a huge plus for any team,” Gavaskar added.
A growing asset for Team India
Modern cricket increasingly rewards players who can contribute in multiple departments, allowing teams to field deeper batting lineups without sacrificing bowling resources. An all-rounder capable of delivering crucial overs can give the captain additional tactical options and reduce the workload on specialist bowlers. For Gill, having such a player in the XI means greater freedom to adapt combinations based on pitch conditions, opposition strengths, and match situations. It also offers insurance if frontline bowlers have an off day.
Reddy’s steady rise has already attracted attention for his batting, but Gavaskar’s remarks underline the value of his bowling as well. If he continues to execute yorkers consistently and develops into a dependable seam option, he could become one of India’s most important utility players across formats. With selectors constantly looking for cricketers who bring balance to the side, Reddy’s ability to make an impact in more than one discipline could make him an indispensable member of the squad in the years ahead.
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