Irfan Pathan backs all-rounder’s inclusion in playing XI for IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in India’s playing in the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Pathan reckons Reddy should be played as the third fast bowler.

Indian selectors have picked Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna as the three main fast bowlers in the ODI squad, whereas Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will be rested after the ongoing two-match Test series.

Meanwhile, Reddy bowled only six overs in the first innings of the second Test match against South Africa. The 22-year-old has played two ODIs thus far but he is yet to take his maiden scalp.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “The biggest opportunity, I think, will be for Nitish Kumar Reddy. If he can cement his place, he has been brought in as a replacement for Hardik Pandya. Hardik Pandya will miss the series for India once again as he recovers from injury. That is why this is a great opportunity for Nitish Kumar Reddy.”

“In my opinion, he should be played as the third fast bowler so that the batting lineup is longer and we can assess his capability. If you want to experiment, this is the right time because there may not be another opportunity later,” he added.

Pathan highlighted that performing well will raise fast bowlers’ stock. Singh, Rana and Krishna will look to grab their opportunity in the absence of Bumrah and Siraj.

“The second big opportunity is for the fast bowlers. Arshdeep Singh has a great chance, and Prasidh Krishna also has a major opportunity to cement his place. With no Bumrah and Siraj, if they can prove themselves now, it will become much easier for them. Performing well against a strong team like South Africa will significantly raise their stock in the minds of the selectors and the team management.”

The first ODI between India and South Africa will be played at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, on Sunday.

Squad: KL Rahul (c/wk), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel