"He should be played as the third fast bowler" - Irfan Pathan backs all-rounder’s inclusion in playing XI for IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed the inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Men in Blue’s playing XI for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi. Pathan’s comments came following the announcement of the 15-member squad on Sunday, November 23, with Reddy retaining his place as Hardik Pandya remained sidelined due to injury.

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Pathan suggested that Reddy should be included as the third fast bowler in the playing XI. This would strengthen the batting depth and give the all-rounder an opportunity to cement his spot in the team. Pathan said:

“The biggest opportunity, I think, will be for Nitish Kumar Reddy. If he can cement his place, he has been brought in as a replacement for Hardik Pandya. Hardik Pandya will miss the series for India once again as he recovers from injury. That is why this is a great opportunity for Nitish Kumar Reddy.”

“In my opinion, he should be played as the third fast bowler so that the batting lineup is longer and we can assess his capability. If you want to experiment, this is the right time because there may not be another opportunity later,” he added.

The 22-year-old has played two ODIs for India, scoring 27 runs so far and yet to pick up a wicket.

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“Performing well will raise their stock” - Irfan Pathan on the young Indian pacers in the squad

In the same video, Irfan Pathan highlighted that it would be a great opportunity for young pacers Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana to make a mark in the absence of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. He said:

“The second big opportunity is for the fast bowlers. Arshdeep Singh has a great chance, and Prasidh Krishna also has a major opportunity to cement his place. With no Bumrah and Siraj, if they can prove themselves now, it will become much easier for them. Performing well against a strong team like South Africa will significantly raise their stock in the minds of the selectors and the team management.”

India’s squad for the South Africa ODI series: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (C, WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel.