Nitish Kumar Reddy rebuffs fitness critics after Christchurch T20I win
Nitish Kumar Reddy addressed reporters in Christchurch on Saturday after playing a key role in India's four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I. He spent much of the session smiling and briefly stumbled over the phrase 'I am in different situations', saying 'in different situationships' before pausing and grinning.
When asked about his fitness and workload, the 23-year-old — one of the few in India's current set-up expected to feature across formats — pushed back and asked for understanding of an all-rounder's demands. He acknowledged he is still learning to manage his workload amid a busy schedule. "I just want to tell you guys: it's just part and parcel of the game. I am getting to understand and you guys also should understand that I am an all-rounder, so I have to do both batting and bowling," he told the press after the 2nd T20I in Christchurch. "Even in practice sessions, I have to do my workloads. I have more work to do than anyone on the field and off the field. It's just something I am working on. Nobody likes to get injured. I am happy that I am playing for the Indian team. I am taking in one day at a time. If I turn up and play a game the next day for my team, that would be a great sign, no matter where I play. I hope I don't get injured, but I am still in the process."
Recurring fitness problems have interrupted his early international career: he missed India's 2024 tour of Zimbabwe with a sports hernia and a side strain in January 2025 ruled him out of a T20I series against England. In July 2025 he injured his left knee during a gym session ahead of the fourth Test at Lord's and missed the remaining two Tests, and in October 2025 he suffered a left quadriceps injury while fielding in an ODI series against Australia. Neck spasms later delayed his return to the T20I side, and the quadriceps issue resurfaced in June 2026 during an ODI series against Afghanistan, with an MRI showing swelling and fibre disruption.
He was subsequently ruled out of the T20I tours of Ireland and England to undergo rehabilitation. Those setbacks have affected his development as a seam-bowling all-rounder, but he said he is enjoying the current phase and working on both disciplines. The youngster has played seven T20Is and two ODIs in the last 45 days.
On his progress as a bowler, Nitish said he is gaining experience in different match situations. "I am bowling in different situations. It's just about experience. It's just about bowling more and getting more experience. When the right time comes, I am able to deliver. That's what is happening now."
In the Christchurch game he returned figures of one for 31 from three overs before contributing with the bat. Sent in to chase 181, India were 112 for six in the 15th over when Nitish walked in at No. 8 and joined Tilak Varma; he struck a six and a four in a 13-ball 26 and added an unbeaten 69-run partnership with Tilak that completed the chase and gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Nitish was among the handful of Indian players who attended optional practice on the eve of the match to get more time at the middle and adjust to local conditions. "We had only one practice session. We just had little info about the pitch. After playing the first game, I thought I should get more practice. That's why I came for the optional training session. Compared to India, the wicket is different over here. The bounce is good."
Having taken a 2-0 lead, India will next face New Zealand in the third T20I in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27.
