Former India chief selector MSK Prasad believes that young batting all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is the key contender for the Rohit Sharma-led squad for the upcoming ODI series against England and Champions Trophy 2025. Team India to play a three ODI series against England scheduled to start from February 6. The white ball series against England will be the last assignment for India before the Champions Trophy 2025.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce the squads for both the England series and the Champions Trophy. MSK Prasad reckons that Nitish Reddy's current form and versatility make a strong case for his inclusion in the India squad.
“People often say that ODIs are a perfect blend of Test cricket’s resilience and T20 cricket’s explosiveness. Nitish has proven to be a rare combination of class and aggression, excelling across formats in his short but impactful international career. Having already seized opportunities in T20s and Tests, Nitish’s exceptional form and versatility make a strong case for his inclusion in India’s upcoming ODI squad against England. His consistency and ability to rise to the occasion also position him as a key contender for a spot in the Champions Trophy squad," Prasad was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Nitish Reddy was last featured in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 where he scored 298 runs in five Test match series at an average of 37.25 including a century in the fourth Test match at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to start from February 19 and India will play their opener clash against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.