After India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said Nitish Reddy doesn’t really seize opportunities whenever he gets a chance to impress, a bevy of former cricketers came out in defence of the allrounder. Aakash Chopra, who has been vocal about Nitish not getting enough chances, said that the player deserves a long run and has been afforded limited chances to make an impact.
“We make him bat at number seven, where he gets limited chances, and he bowls very few overs. If you don’t give opportunities, it becomes difficult for any young cricketer to make an impact unless you are an opener or a new-ball bowler,” Chopra said.
“Being an all-rounder is not easy. You have to master two skills. Ravindra Jadeja didn’t become what he is overnight, nor did Hardik Pandya. They became complete players because of the time they spent in international cricket. Nitish Reddy also needs that time,” Robin Uthappa told PTI Videos.
Former India cricketer-turned-politician Manoj Tiwary, meanwhile, felt Reddy’s dip in form began after his maiden international hundred against Australia in Melbourne. “Nitish’s downfall started after that innings. The over-celebration may have affected him. Now is the time for him to revisit the basics and get everything back in line,” Tiwary said during the launch of an event.
Reddy scored a 21-ball 20 with the bat and then went wicketless with the ball after bowling 2 overs and conceding 13 runs as India went down by 7 wickets to New Zealand in the 2nd ODI match at Rajkot.
Following that, ten Doeschate said that Reddy needed to do more whenever he gets a chance in India colours, saying that the player has “often ended up not doing a heck of a lot” whenever he gets given an opportunity.
“With Nitish, we keep talking about developing him and getting him game time and then when you do get him game time, he often ends up not doing a heck of a lot in the games,” ten Doeschate said in the post-match press conference on Wednesday.
“For someone who’s making their way, particularly with the bat tonight (Wednesday), it was that perfect chance where you’re walking in that situation and you’ve got a chance to spend 15 overs at the wicket. You really have to take those chances to push your case to be selected,” he added.