Nobody likes getting injured: Nitish Reddy sends stark message to fitness critics

Nitish Kumar Reddy had a smile on his face for most of his interaction with the press on Saturday after playing a key role in India’s thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand. He even fumbled when he tried to say “I’m in different situations” instead he came up with “in different situations”. Realizing his mistake, he paused and turned into a wry smile. SCORECARD | MAIN DATA

But when a question arose regarding his fitness and workload management, Nitish stepped down and urged people to understand the demands of all-round cricket.

The 23-year-old, one of the few players in the current Indian squad who is expected to play across formats, admitted that he is still learning how to manage his workload while keeping himself ready for the games that come thick and fast.

“I just want to tell you: it’s just part and parcel of the game. I’m starting to understand it and you should also understand that I’m an all-rounder so I have to bat as well as bowl,” he said to print after the 2nd T20I in Christchurch.

“Even in training I have to do my workload. I have more work than anyone on and off the field. It’s just something I work on. Nobody likes to get injured. I’m happy playing for the Indian team. I take it one day at a time. If I turn up and play a match for my team the next day, it doesn’t matter where I play, but it’s not a great sign.” still in process.”

Nitish’s concerns come against the backdrop of a string of fitness setbacks early in his international career. He missed India’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2024 after suffering a sports hernia. In January 2025, the sideline ruled him out of the T20I series against England. He suffered another setback in July of that year when he injured his left knee during a gym session before the fourth Test against England at Lord’s, forcing him out of the remaining two Tests.

In October 2025, he suffered a left quadriceps injury while fielding in the ODI series against Australia. Neck spasms subsequently delayed his return to the T20I side. The quadriceps problem resurfaced in June 2026 during the ODI series against Afghanistan, with an MRI revealing swelling and disruption of the fibers. He was ruled out of the subsequent T20I tours to Ireland and England to undergo rehabilitation.

Recurring injuries interrupted his progress, particularly his efforts to develop as a bowling all-rounder.

However, Nitish seems to be enjoying the current phase and is focusing on improving his game with both bat and ball. The young all-rounder has played seven T20Is and two ODIs in the last 45 days.

IMPROVEMENTS IN BOWLING

Asked how he improved as a bowler, Nitish said he was learning to handle different situations as he gained more experience.

“I’m bowling in different situations. It’s just about experience. It’s just about playing more and getting more experience. When the time is right, I’m able to deliver. That’s what’s happening now.”

Against New Zealand, he returned figures of one for 31 from three overs before contributing in a crucial way with the bat. He batted at No. 8 to join Tilak Varma with India struggling for 112 in the sixth over in the 15th over chasing 181.

Nitish hit a six and a four in his 13-ball 26 as he ran hard between the wickets during an unbeaten 69-run partnership with Tilak. The stand helped India complete the chase and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Putting in extra work

Nitish was one of the few Indian players who turned up for the optional training session on the eve of the match as they wanted to get more time in the middle and adapt to the conditions in New Zealand.

“We only had one training session. We just had little information about the pitch. After playing the first match, I thought I should practice more. That’s why I came to the optional training session. Compared to India, the wicket here is different. The bounce is good.”

Taking a 2-0 lead, India will take on New Zealand in the third T20I in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27.

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