Team India is set to play a three-match ODI series <a href="https://cricket.international/rohit-sharma-vs-virat-kohli-who-has-better-record-against-west-indies/" title="Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Who has better record against West Indies?”>against West Indies, with the first match is set to be played on Sunday, September 27th at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. Ahead of the first game, India National Cricket Team bowling coach Morne Morkel attended a pre-match press conference, where he shared insights on the development of Nitish Kumar Reddy.
This is going to be a key series for India as they will be travelling to New Zealand for a full tour with five T20Is, three ODIs and two Test matches. Shubman Gill, as a captain, has just won one series as ODI captain, and this is a real test for him as a leader and his side as the team is preparing for the ODI World Cup 2027.
“It will be great for Indian cricket if we can develop him”: Morne Morkel on developing Nitish Kumar Reddy
While speaking to the media, Morne Morkel stated that Nitish Kumar Reddy can be a great asset for the Men in Blue if we can develop him as an all-rounder properly. He can compete for the all-rounder spot across formats once he gets proper training, as he has the talent and ability, and the management also has time with Hardik Pandya out of the squad.
“It will be great for Indian cricket if we can develop him, keep on developing him and for him to compete for that all-rounder spot. He’s got all the talent and all the ability to do that. Luckily we do have a bit of time now,” he said (as quoted by Indian Express)
The brief has been simple. “Keeps things simple and do the basics,” reveals Morkel. “The role that we want him to play in certain situations is: how can we ask him to be as consistent, how well can he fulfil, just doing the basics as best as possible,” he details.
Morne Morkel reveals what changes Nitish Kumar Reddy made ahead of Afghanistan series
Morne Morkel also reveals that Nitish Kumar Reddy has followed the instructions of the management and not tried to experiment with anything on his own. This has helped him a lot as he has been more experienced and not an over-eager cricketer, as per Morkel. The bowling coach also believes that it is important to maintain him well.
“Nitish has dutifully followed the instructions. He doesn’t try to bowl as fast as he can; he has resisted the temptation to over-experiment; he doesn’t stray on the fuller side in search of non-existent swing. He is now self-contained for someone who is an over-eager cricketer.”
“He always wants to be the guy that wants to create opportunities and having that mindset is fantastic,” says Morkel. “For us it’s just again important to manage him quite well, to give him quite a simple role in terms of what he needs to go and do for the team,” he added.
Can Nitish Kumar Reddy be a backup for Hardik Pandya?
Nitish Kumar Reddy was impressive in the series against Afghanistan as he picked a total of 6 wickets across three matches and showcased maturity from the second game after being smacked in the first match.
He won the player of the match award as well in the second match for his exceptional bowling display of 3/24 in 3 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. Many former cricketers have praised his performance.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
