Who said what: Top 3 expert reactions on Nitish Kumar Reddy's all-round performance in 2nd IND vs BAN 2024 T20I ft. Irfan Pathan
Nitish Kumar Reddy has become the new talk of the town with his match-winning performance in the second T20I against Bangladesh that was played on October 9. The young all-rounder scored a scintillating half-century, before bowling a tight spell, making a case for himself as the next seam-bowling all-rounder that India has been looking for quite a long time.
He walked in to bat at No.4, and with India in trouble at 41/3. It was Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy who rebuilt the Indian innings, while simultaneously keeping the scoring rate high.
Nitish played a blistering knock of 74 off 34 balls, with the highlight being his takedown of Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the 13th over, where he smashed three sixes and one four. He also bowled a quality spell at the death for India, finishing with figures of 2/23 in four overs, deservedly winning the 'Player of the Match' award.
He received praise from all corners of the cricketing fraternity after this performance. Let's look at three such expert's reactions to his all-round show.
#3 Basit Ali
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali was full of praise for Nitish Kumar Reddy after his POTM performance. Speaking on his official YouTube channel, he praised the performance of Sunrisers' Hyderabad duo Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek Sharma, further praising Pat Cummins' role in their development.
"A special mention to Pat Cummins. It would be unfair if I didn't take his name. The way he has supported Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the IPL, we must address that," Basit said.
#2 Irfan Pathan
In a short and sweet post, Irfan Pathan praised Nitish Reddy's batting performance, stating that he could be an asset to India's team.
"Well played #nitishreddy He can an asset for team India!" Pathan wrote on X.
Irfan Pathan, who was a valuable all-rounder himself for the Indian team, has been very vocal as a pundit and a cricketing expert, especially online.
#1 Aakash Chopra
Former Indian cricketer, current commentator, and cricket expert Aakash Chopra was effusive in his praise for the Indian team, highlighting the contributions of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh in India's win in the second T20I against Bangladesh that helped them seal a series win.
In a post on 'X', he expressed his awe for the Indian team's belief, and how tremendous their innings progression was to get from 41/3 to 221/9, praising Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh for going hard despite the tricky nature of the wicket.
"The belief in this Indian team is incredible. 41-3. Pitch showing signs of variable pace and bounce to begin with. But…Nitish and Rinku kept going hard. 221/9 is a score India is likely to defend…even if there’s some dew. #IndvBan," Chopra wrote on X.