Suresh Raina Praises Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Pace and Control, Highlights Need for Backup Amid Hardik Pandya’s Injury Concerns

Suresh Raina said that Hardik Pandya has been dealing with injury issues, and India needs to develop a dependable backup for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

He missed several matches for the Mumbai Indians this season, and although he attempted to recover fully at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, he remained unfit and was ruled out of the three‑match ODI series against Afghanistan.

“Hardik Pandya has faced multiple injury setbacks, which is worrying. By the time the next ODI World Cup arrives, India must have a reliable backup for him, Raina said during an interview on JioStar’s ‘Follow the Blues’.”

Raina named Nitish Kumar Reddy as a promising prospect, noting that the young all‑rounder has significantly improved both his batting and bowling. The Sunrisers Hyderabad player has been selected for the ODI series against the Blue Tigers, as well as the T20I series against Ireland and England.

“His batting has become more solid. He bowled with good pace and control in the IPL, and his fitness has remained reliable. The team management must manage his workload carefully and provide him with regular opportunities, he said.”

The former India batsman believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play pivotal roles for the Indian team at the 2027 ODI World Cup. Beyond their batting prowess, Raina notes that their experience will be valuable for young captain Shubman Gill.

“Both are proven run-scorers in ICC World Cups and have won ICC trophies, knowing how to handle pressure in knockout matches. For Shubman Gill, having Rohit and Virat beside him will be a huge advantage as he captains India in a World Cup, Raina said.”

Kohli will miss the ODIs against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Rohit has been training intensively and is ready to open the batting alongside Shubman against Hashmatullah Shahidi and the rest of the side.

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