Nitish Kumar Reddy Makes Comeback for Final ODI Against Afghanistan
In a significant boost for the Indian cricket team, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy returned to the playing XI for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai on Saturday, July 20. Reddy had missed the second match due to a thigh injury but is now back and ready to contribute.
At just 23 years old, Reddy is one of three players brought into the squad, alongside Prasidh Krishna and Harsh Dubey. This lineup change comes as India looks to secure a clean sweep in the three-match series, having already won the first two games in Dharamsala and Lucknow.
Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the adjustments during the toss, stating, “Yes, we’ve made three changes. Prasidh comes back into the side, Harsh Dubey is back, and Nitish is also back.” Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first, giving India a chance to showcase their depth.
Reddy’s return is particularly heartening for the team, as he had been sidelined with a sore left thigh prior to the second ODI. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had kept a close watch on his progress before clearing him to play again.
Reddy had made a strong impression in the series opener against Afghanistan in Dharamsala, where he showcased his skills, taking two wickets for 31 runs in a rain-affected match. His performance included important dismissals such as that of explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and seasoned all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, both of whom are key players for Afghanistan.
As the series is already in India’s favor, this match represents a valuable opportunity for Reddy to gain match fitness. It also allows Prasidh Krishna and Harsh Dubey to demonstrate their skills ahead of upcoming challenges.
For Afghanistan, the aim will be to finish the tour on a high note after two defeats. Meanwhile, India’s focus remains on maintaining their winning streak and testing out different player combinations, with Reddy’s performance likely being one of the highlights to watch in the final ODI.
