"He is the breakout star of this Indian cricket team" - Aakash Chopra lauds Nitish Kumar Reddy's performance in first 2 BGT 2024-25 Tests
Aakash Chopra has termed Nitish Kumar Reddy India's 'breakout star' in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The cricketer-turned-commentator was particularly impressed by the all-rounder's batting and big-hitting ability.
India suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide on Sunday, December 8. However, Reddy impressed with the bat for the visitors, top-scoring with 42-run knocks in both innings.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener was effusive in his praise for Reddy.
"At times, when you are young, you don't have any excess baggage. This boy has been very, very impressive. There is a very good stat - no Indian batter has hit more sixes than him against fast bowling in Tests in Australia to date, and he has played only two Tests," he said (35:45).
"He has been outstanding. He is the breakout star of this Indian cricket team on this tour of Australia. He has exceeded our expectations. I am totally impressed. Nitish Kumar Reddy as a batter looks ready. Nitish Kumar Reddy as a bowler is still a work in progress," Chopra added.
Chopra noted that the youngster has exhibited excellent temperament and expressed himself freely.
"Nitish Kumar Reddy as a player, I feel he has an excellent temperament. He is showing that he is not getting flustered. He is trying to express himself. The key operative word in Indian cricket is intent. His intent is very clear and is playing clean cricket," he observed.
Reddy scored 41 runs off 59 deliveries in India's first innings of the first Test in Perth and followed it up with an unbeaten 38 off just 27 balls in the second essay. He scored a 54-ball 42 in the first innings in Adelaide and a 47-ball 42 in his second hit of the game.
"It's just about right" - Aakash Chopra on Nitish Kumar Reddy's batting position
![Nitish Kumar Reddy has batted either at No. 7 or No. 8 in his four Test innings. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c0a87-17336666654014-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same video, Aakash Chopra opined that Nitish Kumar Reddy shouldn't be promoted in the batting order.
"If the question comes to your mind whether Nitish Kumar Reddy should be made to bat up the order, I would say where he is batting and the way he is batting, it's just about right. Just like Harshit Rana, he has come with very limited first-class experience. It's slightly more than him but still less," he said (37:30).
The analyst added that the stroke maker might no longer be as daring if he is made to bat up the order.
"So the position at which he is batting, the pressure is not like that, as to what would happen if he makes a mistake. As soon as you come at No. 4 or No. 3, or open, suddenly you feel what would happen if you make a mistake and can you actually be so daring," he observed.
Chopra pointed out that India won't bat Rohit Sharma below No. 6 in any case. However, he added that Reddy could be promoted, if required, nearing the close of play or to press the accelerator.