India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has highlighted Nitish Kumar Reddy as a promising candidate to step into Hardik Pandya’s role as a seam-bowling all-rounder for the national team. Reddy, who missed a recent ODI due to injury, is being groomed with an eye on the upcoming World Cup. Ten Doeschate emphasized Reddy’s growing importance and development over the past 18 months, positioning him as a potential backup to Pandya.
India’s team management has also considered other players like Harshit Rana and Gurnoor Brar for the all-rounder position, focusing on their bowling capabilities. Looking ahead, the team is strategizing for the need of all-rounders who can contribute with the bat in crucial matches, especially in conditions like South Africa where multiple seamers might be required. The coaching staff is pleased with the progress shown by various players in both the all-rounder and fast bowler categories.
As India has already secured the ODI series, ten Doeschate confirmed that there will be lineup changes for the upcoming match in Chennai. The team’s objective is to experiment with different combinations and provide opportunities to various players. Notably, the impressive performance of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan in the previous game was praised for showcasing his adaptability and aggressive batting style, adding versatility to the team’s lineup.
Reflecting on the batting order, ten Doeschate hinted at maintaining the top three from the last match, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening, followed by Shubman Gill at number three. He emphasized the importance of versatility in the squad and hinted at possible changes in the middle order to assess different players’ performances against Afghanistan. Jaiswal, in particular, is highlighted as a talented player deserving of opportunities to prove his worth in the team.
