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Bharat Arun, R Sridhar give Nitish Kumar Reddy reality check on becoming next Hardik Pandya

As Team India prepares for their upcoming tour of New Zealand, the absence of Hardik Pandya has left a significant void in their all-rounder lineup. Nitish Kumar Reddy, a 23-year-old Andhra Pradesh cricketer, is poised to step into the role, having already represented the national team across all three formats.

While Reddy has shown flashes of brilliance—most notably taking six wickets in three matches against Afghanistan in Delhi—his batting has yet to be fully tested at the international level. His recent performances against the West Indies, where he scored 9, 21, and then 41 in successive matches, suggest untapped potential that former fielding coach R Sridhar believes he can unlock.

Sridhar emphasized that Reddy is currently holding back, capable of contributing more significantly with the bat if he refines his approach. Meanwhile, former bowling coach Bharat Arun highlighted Reddy’s pace as a key asset but stressed that executing under pressure will be critical to filling Pandya’s shoes effectively.

With the World Cup looming, Reddy’s ability to deliver consistently in both departments will determine whether he can become the next Hardik Pandya.

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