'Growing in confidence as an all rounder': Irfan Pathan's big backing for Nitish Kumar Reddy after Christchurch T20I thriller
toi
newspoint|25-10-2026
Nitish Kumar Reddy 's growing confidence as an all-rounder is beginning to show on the field, with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan backing the youngster for a longer run across formats after his match-winning contribution against New Zealand in the second T20I on Saturday.
Reddy remained unbeaten on 26 off just 13 balls to help India chase down 181 with one ball to spare, sealing a four-wicket victory and giving the visitors a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Earlier, he had also picked up the wicket of Bevon Jacobs, underlining his growing value with both bat and ball.
Pathan highlighted Reddy's increasing involvement as a bowler and his ability to deliver under pressure, suggesting that such performances could strengthen the confidence of both the player and the team management.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy certainly growing in confidence as an all rounder this trip. Bowling regularly and now this inning of 26 not out under pressure gives him and team management confidence to give him longer run in all format,” Pathan wrote on X.
Reddy delivers when India need him most
India's chase appeared to be slipping away after a strong start. From 40 without loss, the visitors slumped to 70/5 as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner wreaked havoc with a four-wicket haul. India's troubles deepened when they were reduced to 112/6, leaving the visitors with a difficult task.
Naman Dhir's quickfire 31 off 17 balls revived India's hopes before Reddy and Tilak Varma completed the job with an unbeaten partnership. Tilak led the charge with 51 not out off 26 deliveries, while Reddy contributed 26 off 13 balls, including a four and a six.
The pair added 69 runs off just 30 balls to take India home in a tense finish. Reddy also struck the winning runs, capping a composed performance under pressure.
Earlier, he had dismissed Jacobs during his three-over spell, finishing with figures of 1/31. Jacobs had scored 58 off 46 balls and shared a 116-run fourth-wicket stand with Glenn Phillips, who made 70, to help New Zealand recover from 41/3 and post 180/5.
Reddy remained unbeaten on 26 off just 13 balls to help India chase down 181 with one ball to spare, sealing a four-wicket victory and giving the visitors a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Earlier, he had also picked up the wicket of Bevon Jacobs, underlining his growing value with both bat and ball.
Pathan highlighted Reddy's increasing involvement as a bowler and his ability to deliver under pressure, suggesting that such performances could strengthen the confidence of both the player and the team management.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy certainly growing in confidence as an all rounder this trip. Bowling regularly and now this inning of 26 not out under pressure gives him and team management confidence to give him longer run in all format,” Pathan wrote on X.
Reddy delivers when India need him most
India's chase appeared to be slipping away after a strong start. From 40 without loss, the visitors slumped to 70/5 as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner wreaked havoc with a four-wicket haul. India's troubles deepened when they were reduced to 112/6, leaving the visitors with a difficult task.
Naman Dhir's quickfire 31 off 17 balls revived India's hopes before Reddy and Tilak Varma completed the job with an unbeaten partnership. Tilak led the charge with 51 not out off 26 deliveries, while Reddy contributed 26 off 13 balls, including a four and a six.
The pair added 69 runs off just 30 balls to take India home in a tense finish. Reddy also struck the winning runs, capping a composed performance under pressure.
Earlier, he had dismissed Jacobs during his three-over spell, finishing with figures of 1/31. Jacobs had scored 58 off 46 balls and shared a 116-run fourth-wicket stand with Glenn Phillips, who made 70, to help New Zealand recover from 41/3 and post 180/5.
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