Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Morkel urges careful management to develop Nitish as all-rounder
Morne Morkel said Nitish Kumar Reddy is a talented young cricketer.
Nitish can help India with batting, bowling and fielding.
He recently returned from a quadriceps injury.
He bowled very well in two matches against Afghanistan and took six wickets.
Morkel said Nitish should keep his role simple and focus on the basics.
India wants to give him regular chances so he can improve.
The team is also watching the fitness of Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana.
Morkel said India has other players ready to step in if injuries continue.
He expects the upcoming match against the West Indies to have many runs.
Morne Morkel said Nitish Kumar Reddy needs careful management, a clear role and consistent opportunities to develop as an all-rounder.
Reddy took six wickets in the second and third T20Is against Afghanistan after returning from a quadriceps injury layoff.
He was withdrawn from India’s Asian Games squad to receive ODI opportunities against the West Indies starting Sunday.
Morkel said India is monitoring workloads and recovery plans for injured all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana.
After assessing training conditions, Morkel predicted a high-scoring ODI contest at Greenfield International Stadium.
- Who
- India bowling coach Morne Morkel and young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy are central to the discussion; Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana are also mentioned.
- What
- Morkel called for careful management and regular opportunities to develop Reddy as an all-rounder, while discussing player fitness and the upcoming ODI.
- When
- Morkel made the comments on Friday; the ODI series against the West Indies starts on Sunday.
- Where
- The comments concerned India’s preparations, with the next match at Greenfield International Stadium.
- Why
- Morkel said Reddy needs a clear, simple role and opportunities to learn, while workload monitoring is intended to help players regain fitness.
- Recent return
- Nitish Kumar Reddy returned after a quadriceps injury layoff.
- Recent performance
- Reddy took six wickets in the second and third T20Is against Afghanistan.
- Upcoming opportunity
- He was withdrawn from the Asian Games men’s T20 squad for ODI opportunities against the West Indies.
- Injured players
- Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana remain sidelined while working toward fitness.
- Fitness planning
- India’s management is coordinating with medical staff to monitor individual workloads.
- Venue assessment
- Morne Morkel expects a high-scoring game at Greenfield International Stadium.