Gautam Gambhir Explains Nitish Kumar Reddy’s ODI Selection Ahead of World Cup

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has explained why Nitish Kumar Reddy is being given an extended run in the ODI setup, with the team management looking to develop more seam-bowling all-rounders ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Reddy has been working specifically on his bowling and impressed during India’s recent T20I series against Afghanistan, taking three wickets in each of the second and third matches.

With Hardik Pandya still working towards a return to international cricket, the selectors have opted to give Reddy more opportunities in the 50-over format.

Why India are giving Reddy more ODI game time

Gambhir said Reddy needs regular international exposure to develop into the seam-bowling all-rounder India want him to become.

The young all-rounder was withdrawn from India’s Asian Games squad to allow him to play more ODI cricket against the West Indies. The decision is also being viewed in the context of preparations for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

"We want to expose him to most of the international games, because we know how important he is," Gambhir said.

He added that there are relatively few players capable of both batting in the middle order and bowling useful seam overs, making Reddy’s development particularly valuable for the team.

Reddy initially struggled with the ball in the opening match of the Afghanistan series but improved as the series progressed.

Gambhir: Hardik cannot bowl 10 overs yet

Pandya remains an important part of India’s plans, but Gambhir indicated that the all-rounder needs sufficient match practice before returning to the international schedule.

"Hardik, at the moment, if he cannot bowl 10 overs and hasn’t played a lot of cricket since the IPL, we don’t want to push him into international cricket," Gambhir said.

Pandya has been included in the India A squad, which gives him an opportunity to regain match fitness and bowling rhythm.

Gambhir said that if Pandya comes through the India A series successfully, he could return to India’s T20 and ODI squads.

India could play both Hardik and Reddy

Reddy’s development does not necessarily mean that his place will disappear once Pandya returns.

Gambhir said India could consider playing both all-rounders in the same XI depending on the conditions and team combination.

"The more the merrier," the India coach said when asked about the possibility.

Such a combination would give India additional bowling depth while also strengthening the middle order. However, Pandya’s ability to bowl a full workload will remain an important factor in determining how the team uses him.

Reddy has returned after injury

Reddy missed India’s tours of Ireland and England after suffering an injury during the ODI series against Afghanistan earlier in the year.

His return has brought visible improvement in his bowling. Work at the BCCI Centre of Excellence has also focused on developing his bowling and helping him manage his body after the injury.

Gambhir believes the additional matches will be important because Reddy has not played enough cricket since the IPL.

"In the meantime... Nitish will get more game time as well," Gambhir said, adding that developing multiple seam-bowling all-rounders would give India useful options ahead of the World Cup.

The selection dilemma ahead

India's management has previously faced the challenge of balancing returning regulars with players who have performed when given opportunities.

In Reddy’s case, however, the current situation gives the team an opportunity to continue developing a player in a role that remains difficult to fill.

Pandya’s return could eventually create a selection decision, but Gambhir has indicated that the team is not necessarily viewing the two players as mutually exclusive.

For Reddy, the immediate priority is clear: continue bowling, build match fitness and use the extended ODI run to establish himself as a reliable seam-bowling all-rounder for India.