India vs New Zealand ODI 2026: Hanuma Vihari Backs Nitish Kumar Reddy Amid Criticism

In the aftermath of India’s second ODI defeat to New Zealand at Rajkot, a robust defence of young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy by senior player Hanuma Vihari has brought the 22-year-old back into the spotlight. With India’s batting lineup struggling and ultimately losing by seven wickets to level the three-match series 1-1, critics were quick to question Reddy’s inclusion and impact. However, Vihari has pushed back against labels that undermine the young player’s potential.

The second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium saw India post a competitive total of 284/7, largely thanks to an unbeaten century from KL Rahul. Despite this, New Zealand chased the target comfortably, led by an unbeaten 131 from Daryl Mitchell, securing a memorable seven-wicket victory. The defeat reignited debates around India’s team selection and the utilisation of players like Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Reddy was drafted in to replace Washington Sundar, who was ruled out due to rib discomfort. He was expected to add depth with both bat and ball. However, he managed only 20 runs and did not get an opportunity to bowl, sparking renewed discussion about his role in the Indian cricket team. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had earlier hinted that Reddy needed to seize his chances when given, a statement many interpreted as a critique of his effectiveness.

Amid this critical discourse, Hanuma Vihari came to Reddy’s defence, rejecting dismissive labels such as “bits and pieces” cricketer. Vihari called out detractors for underestimating the young all-rounder, emphasizing the importance of patience and support in nurturing emerging talent in a high-pressure international environment. His defence reflects an internal team perspective that sees potential where external commentators focus primarily on statistics.

The debate surrounding Reddy highlights a broader challenge for Team India: balancing the integration of fresh talent with the immediate demand for match-winning performances, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away. Senior players like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli form the core, leaving limited opportunities for younger players. This increases scrutiny whenever a newcomer enters the playing XI and fails to deliver instantly.

Critics pointed to Reddy’s performance in the Rajkot ODI as evidence that he is not yet ready for a fixed role, noting his modest score and lack of bowling contribution. Others argue that Reddy requires a sustained run of matches to find rhythm and confidence at the international level - an argument amplified by social media reactions and fan forums where opinions remain sharply divided.

Reddy’s situation highlights one of Indian cricket’s perennial dilemmas: how to nurture emerging players without compromising team balance and results in crucial series. For selectors and team management, the challenge lies in designing a development pathway that neither overwhelms young talent nor leaves them sidelined. With varied voices calling for clarity on Reddy’s role, the third and decisive ODI in Indore could prove pivotal - not only for the series outcome but also for Reddy’s immediate prospects.

As India regroups and reassesses ahead of the final ODI and the upcoming T20 series, the conversation around Nitish Kumar Reddy underscores a deeper tension in modern cricket: the need to blend experience with evolution. Whether Reddy rises to meet expectations or becomes another case study in unfulfilled potential will depend as much on opportunity as on performance.