"Lot like with what was done with Jadeja" - Robin Uthappa backs under-fire Test India youngster after IND vs SA 2025 series

Former cricketer Robin Uthappa believes the Indian team management was doing the right thing by backing all-rounder Nitish Reddy in Test cricket. He noted that a fast bowler who can bat as well is a rare commodity in the country.

The 40-year-old suggested that Nitish's case was quite similar to that of veteran spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. He remarked that Jadeja was not completely ready for Test cricket in his early days, but got unwavering support from former captain MS Dhoni.

Uthappa said in his latest YouTube video:

"Yes, there are a few that you can really back with talent. I understand Nitish Kumar Reddy's selection. He hasn't really done in first-class cricket, but here comes an all-rounder from India who can bowl fast and bat well as well, and that, in India, comes very few and far in between.

"So, you want to fast-track him and give him the opportunity at the highest level, you want to nurture the talent and see if that can be developed into something over a period of time. A lot like with what was done with Jadeja. He probably wasn't ready for Test cricket, but Mahi persisted with him," he added.

Nitish was part of India's playing XI recently concluded second and final Test of the home series against South Africa. He failed to deliver impactful performances, registering scores of 18 and 0. He bowled 10 overs across two innings and remained wicketless.

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"Jadeja has set a great example" - Mohammad Kaif urges Indian all-rounders to copy Ravindra Jadeja's career trajectory

Cricketer-turned-commentator Mohammad Kaif feels India's young all-rounders Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy should try and copy Ravindra Jadeja. He pointed out that Jadeja's primary focus was on bowling early in his career, and he improved his batting gradually.

Kaif said on his YouTube channel:

"Washington Sundar has just come in and is already being called an all-rounder. Reddy is being called an all-rounder. Becoming an all-rounder takes a lot of time. First you must be a specialist. Tell me clearly, is Nitish Reddy a batter or a bowler? Jadeja has set a great example. Copy him. First bowling, bowling, bowling, then he kept improving his batting, gained experience, played long innings in Ranji, and scored runs."

Nitish faced a lot of flak for his shot selection in the side's second innings. He was dismissed for a duck, perishing while playing the reverse sweep against off-spinner Simon Harmer.