‘I always wanted to become the greatest all-rounder’: Nitish Kumar Reddy after India vs Afghanistan seal series

Nitish Kumar Reddy (BCCI photo) NEW DELHI: “I always wanted to become the greatest all-rounder,” Nitish Kumar Reddy said after playing a key role in India’s seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday.Reddy returned figures of 3/24 as India restricted Afghanistan to 159 for eight. Sanju Samson then smashed 57 off 22 balls as India chased down the target in 14.5 overs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Reddy is making a strong comeback

Reddy struck immediately with the ball and claimed a wicket on the first delivery of each of his three overs. He first dismissed Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran for 37 before removing Gulbadin Naíb with the first ball of his second over. His third wicket came in the final when he dismissed Rashid Khan who scored 28.Reddy finished with 3/24 and was named man of the match.

“I wanted that extra pace”

Reddy said he is working on his pace as he looks to become a better all-rounder.“I feel great. I’ve always wanted to be the biggest all-rounder and that’s why I wanted that extra pace that I’m getting. You’re going to have ups and downs and I’m working on not getting injured often and (staying) fit.”The all-rounder also spoke about his condition after the injury.“It’s good. I feel great right now. We did a great job at COE and the body is recovering well.”

Reddy talks about his comeback

Reddy said his performance was about confidence in his ability and coming back strong after the first T20I.“I would say it’s all about confidence in your ability and (making) that comeback, and I just believed in myself. It’s a funny game; anything can change in an instant.”

Samson leads the Indian pursuit

Chasing 160, India got off to a flying start as Samson and Abhishek Sharma attacked the Afghan bowlers. The pair added 82 runs in the powerplay before Rashid Khan dismissed Abhishek for 39 off 19 balls.Samson continued his onslaught and completed his fastest T20 fifty in just 20 balls. He hit seven fours and four sixes before Rashid dismissed him for 57.Ishan Kishan remained unbeaten on 38 off 23 balls while Shreyas Iyer scored 11. India reached 163 for three in 14.5 overs to win by seven wickets and seal the series.