ICC recently released the schedule of Champions Trophy 2025. All the matches of Team India will be played in Dubai, while the remaining matches will be played in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi of Pakistan. England has announced its team, but India has not announced its squad yet. Meanwhile, there is talk that all-rounder Hardik Pandya may be dropped from the team and emerging player Nitish Kumar Reddy may get a chance in his place.
Hardik Pandya’s form cause for concern
Hardik Pandya has been out of international cricket for a long time.
- Last ODI: He played his last ODI for India in October 2023 against Bangladesh.
- Last T20: Pandya played his last T20 match in November 2024.
- Poor performance in domestic cricket: Pandya’s performance in the recent matches played by Baroda was disappointing.
- Scored only 1 run in a match.
- In the earlier matches, he was out for 5 runs and 10 runs.
Hardik Pandya’s recent performances have become a cause of concern for the selectors, putting his place in danger.
Nitish Kumar Reddy may get a chance
Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is currently on Australia tour, has caught everyone’s attention with his strong performance for Team India.
- Century in Melbourne: Nitish proved his talent by scoring a brilliant century in the test match played against Australia.
- Consistent Performance: If Reddy continues to perform like this, his place for the Champions Trophy 2025 is considered almost certain.
- Due to his form and fitness, his chances of joining the team in place of Pandya have increased.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s cricket career
T20 International
- Have played 3 T20 matches so far.
- Played a brilliant inning of 74 runs in a match.
first class cricket
- Scored 958 runs in 26 matches.
- 1 century and 2 half-centuries are in his name.
list a cricket
- Scored 403 runs in 22 matches.
- Scored 4 half-centuries during this period.
Nitish’s career is still in its early stages, but his performance shows that he can become an important player for Team India in the future.
Will Nitish be able to replace Hardik Pandya for Team India?
Nitish Reddy’s current performance has been excellent. The Test century in Melbourne and his consistency in domestic cricket has made him a strong choice for the selectors. At the same time, Hardik Pandya’s poor form and long absence from international cricket is increasing his problems.
If Hardik is unable to regain his form by the Champions Trophy, the selectors may prefer Nitish Kumar Reddy as an all-rounder.
