India looking at their ‘ideal’ allrounder? Shubman Gill pushing Nitish Reddy as the Potential star for upcoming overseas tours

Providing Reddy with more opportunities to contribute in an all-round role in the second Test, starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday, remains a priority for India. He bowled only four overs in the first innings of the first Test in Ahmedabad and did not get another chance to bowl or even bat, as India declared their innings at 448/5.

While the Indian team management recognises that Reddy’s long-term value lies in overseas conditions favourable to pace, they are also clear that his development must commence with consistent red-ball play at home and maintaining his rhythm before India’s upcoming overseas tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand in 2026.

In his eight Tests so far, Reddy has shown glimpses of his all-round potential – hitting crucial knocks of 41, 42, and 42, before registering his maiden Test century at the MCG in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. His bowling is still a work in progress, but he has already dismissed top-order batters in both Australia and England.

“Yes, there have been conversations about that, especially when we go overseas, we always struggle with a third or fourth seam bowling option, especially on tracks that assist fast bowlers. We think it would be unfair on the guy if we are only playing him overseas because that doesn’t really give him that much opportunity, especially in the next year, year and a half, we aren’t playing that many matches outside of India.”