Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the first three T20 Internationals against Australia due to neck spasms, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Wednesday. The 22-year-old from Andhra Pradesh was already recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained during the second ODI in Adelaide, which had forced him to miss the third match in Sydney. The new setback has further hampered his mobility and delayed his return to the squad.

Reddy's injury woes have persisted over the past year, with recurring niggles disrupting his promising international career. The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring his progress, though no replacement has been named for the ongoing five-match T20I series. His absence is a blow to India's middle-order depth and seam-bowling options, particularly after his gritty 74 in the first ODI in Adelaide showcased his potential as a lower-order finisher.

The development comes amid India's transition phase in white-ball cricket following a 2-1 ODI series loss to Australia. Under new captain Suryakumar Yadav, the team is fielding a youthful lineup, with Reddy initially included in the T20I squad for his all-round capabilities. The series opener in Canberra was abandoned due to rain, with the next match scheduled for Friday in Melbourne.

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With Reddy sidelined until at least the fourth T20I, India will rely on the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Washington Sundar to fill the void. The BCCI has not provided a timeline for his return, emphasising a cautious approach to ensure full recovery ahead of a packed domestic and international calendar.

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