“Replacement for Hardik Pandya” - Irfan Pathan reveals Nitish Kumar Reddy as the third pacer for South Africa ODI series

Irfan Pathan suggested young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as the "replacement for Hardik Pandya" and the ideal third pacer for the South Africa ODI series. Pathan argues Reddy provides the necessary batting-bowling balance at No. 7, which has been missing due to Pandya's injury layoff.

By Jack 24 Nov 2025 in Cricket

New Update

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has emphasised that it will be a big opportunity for the batting all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to secure and cement his spot in the Indian ODI playing XI after being picked in the squad for the forthcoming South Africa ODI series.

Notably, the three-match ODI series is scheduled to start on Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan asserted that Nitish Kumar Reddy should be used as a third pacer to elongate the batting line-up.

“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,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

“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.

Additionally, Pathan also observed that the young fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana will have a big opportunity to do well in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj’s absence. Notably, the star pace duo has been rested for the upcoming ODI series.

“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 ODI squad for South Africa 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.

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