Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role as an all-rounder has come under scrutiny as India assess their options for the future following Hardik Pandya’s continued absence from Test cricket and recurring fitness issues. Reddy has emerged as one of the players being considered to provide a seam-bowling option alongside his batting, but his recent workload has raised questions about whether he is being given enough opportunities to develop as a full-fledged bowling all-rounder. The Andhra player made an impressive Test debut in Australia nearly two years ago, but injuries have interrupted his progress across formats.

Reddy recently returned to the Indian side during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and claimed six wickets in the final two matches. He then featured in India’s opening ODI against the West Indies in Kerala, bowling five overs and finishing with figures of 1/45. His spell included one new-ball over that cost 18 runs, three middle overs for 20 runs and a final over at the death that produced a wicket for seven runs. The limited workload came despite India exploring Reddy as a possible long-term option for the ODI side and potentially the 50-over World Cup next year.

India’s management has previously managed Pandya’s bowling workload carefully because of his injury history, and Reddy appears to be receiving similar treatment. Bowling coach Morne Morkel recently said Reddy’s role would involve creating opportunities while maintaining consistency and concentrating on executing the basics. The comments suggested that the team may currently view him as a supporting all-rounder rather than someone expected to regularly complete a full 10-over spell. Reddy’s batting remains an important part of his value, although he did not get an opportunity to bat in the first ODI against the West Indies.

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The larger question is how Reddy can develop into a reliable fast-bowling all-rounder without regularly bowling substantial spells. Since May last year, he has played 10 first-class matches and delivered 749 balls, equivalent to roughly 125 overs, averaging about 12.5 overs per match. In 50-over cricket since October last year, he has played 14 matches, including the first ODI against the West Indies, but has bowled only a little more than 75 overs in total. That works out at slightly more than five overs per match, leaving a significant difference between his workload in red-ball and limited-overs cricket.

Red-ball cricket can provide an important environment for a developing fast bowler because longer spells require players to build endurance, maintain pace and accuracy and adapt to changing conditions. Reddy’s ability to bowl extended spells in first-class cricket could therefore be important if India want him to become capable of contributing significantly with the ball in both Tests and ODIs. His previous injuries also mean that workload management remains relevant, but limiting his bowling opportunities too much could make it harder to assess how he handles the demands of a larger role.

The discussion around Reddy also highlights the importance of domestic cricket in developing India’s next generation of all-rounders. Regular participation in first-class and domestic one-day competitions can provide players with opportunities to build bowling workloads and gain experience across longer spells. Before returning to India’s T20I squad against Afghanistan, Reddy could have benefited from additional red-ball cricket, including the Duleep Trophy. As India plan beyond the current season, his fitness, bowling workload and ability to consistently deliver longer spells will be important factors in determining how his all-round role develops.

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