Hardik Pandya is one of the finest all-rounders in white-ball cricket, and his presence or absence can make or break India’s chances of winning bilateral series and ICC tournaments. He hasn’t played cricket since IPL 2026, considering his long list of injuries. If everything falls in place, he could return to action for India A in the upcoming ODI series against Australia A. Meanwhile, the selectors and the team management are backing Nitish Kumar Reddy to perform like Hardik in ODIs and T20Is.

In the IND vs AFG three-match series, Nitish took six wickets, with three each coming in the second and third T20Is. He was part of the Asian Games 2026 but was withdrawn at the last moment in order to compete in three one-day internationals against the West Indies, starting September 27.

Former India fast bowler Mohit Sharma wants the decision-makers to make full use of Reddy’s potential and talent. He urged the fans not to compare Nitish to Hardik, as both are different.

“We keep talking about Hardik Pandya, but Nitish Kumar Reddy can’t match him. We expect Nitish to bat and bowl like Hardik,” Sharma said on Cricbuzz.

“It is not fair to compare the two, and we should not expect a lot. Nitish’s batting style is different, and he can hit sixes after getting set and not from the first ball of his innings. We shouldn’t set our expectations in one way. We should back him according to his talent,” he added.

What did India head coach Gautam Gambhir say about Hardik Pandya?

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir mentioned that Hardik Pandya is still not ready to bowl 10 overs in ODIs, and the team management has no plans to rush him into the Playing XI. He will only return to the national side after playing a few games.

Gambhir confirmed that once Hardik is available for selection, the think tank would add both Nitish and the current Mumbai Indians captain to the XI, as the two would provide more balance.