'In both departments, there's improvement': Morne Morkel breaks silence on Hardik Pandya injury, backs Nitish Kumar Reddy for bigger role

India will face Afghanistan in the first ODI of the three-match series on Saturday, June 13 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. However, the Indian side will enter the game in the absence of Hardik Pandya, as the star all-rounder has picked up an injury and got ruled out from the entire series.

Nitish Kumar to replace Hardik Pandya

In his absence, Nitish Kumar Reddy will fill Hardik's shoes, as he turns out to be a like-to-like replacement. However, things might get serious after Hardik being out of the series, as it might damage the chances of him appearing in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Opening up Hardik's injury, India bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed that Nitish's selection follows the same structure of maintaining the flexibility based on conditions and availability.

ALSO READ: Virender Sehwag makes big prediction on Yashasvi Jaiswal's ODI future amid selection uncertainty, says 'you will definitely see him...'

ALSO READ: IND vs AFG 1st ODI Weather Report: Will rain play spoilsport in Dharamshala? Check 20-over match cut-off time

"You plan, you look at your options like we do in batting and bowling. Same as with the all-rounders. Unfortunately, Hardik is missing this series. He picked up a niggle, quite a niggle, very close to joining camp," said Morkel in the press conference.

"But again, it's another opportunity now for Nitish Kumar Reddy. He's been playing beautifully in the last two years," added Morkel.

While talking further, Morkel revealed that Nitish has worked really hard on his game both with bat and ball which is very evident in his recent showings. However, Morkel admitted that the rising young all-rounder has to prove himself at the international stage.

"When the players get the opportunity to work and develop their own game, look at areas where they can improve. And Nitish did that. It was from a technical point of view to get him a little bit better at the crease, more balanced, so the energy flows down the wicket," Morkel said.

“In both departments, there's improvement. So, yeah, we're excited for him to get an opportunity and see how he puts that together on an international stage. And, yeah, it's always nice to have that extra helping hand,” he added.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's ODI stats

The rising young all-rounder has played only four matches in the fifty over format of the game, where he has managed to put up some decent numbers. The right-handed-batter has managed to amass 100 runs in four games at an average of 33.00 with an impressive strike rate of 101.01.

The star all-rounder has one half-century under his belt, with 53 being his top-score which came against New Zealand. However, he failed to claim a single wicket with the ball