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Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik announced retirement from international cricket after the conclusion of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). However, Karthik continues to feature in T20 leagues across and will make his debut in the SA20 in 2025 after being signed by the Paarl Royals.
Despite an end to his international career, he continues to shine in the commentary panel with his excellent knowledge of the game. Speaking during the India versus Bangladesh first T20I with Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik dropped a shocking statement when asked if Nitish Reddy could fill in the shoes of all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Wouldn’t put him in Hardik Pandya’s mould: Dinesh Karthik
Although the 39-year-old backed Nitish Kumar Reddy to do wonders in the Indian colours if given an opportunity, he put an end to the speculations of him replacing Hardik in the side. "I wouldn't put him in the Hardik Pandya mould, and I say that because you are not guaranteed four overs from Nitish Kumar Reddy at the moment. He could go on to become that, but what we can be very excited about is his batting talent. He is an outstanding fielder—one of the quickest in the country—so that is another major plus,” DK said during his interaction on Cricbuzz.
However, Karthik lavished praises on Nitish’s batting ability after his blistering performance in the IPL 2024 for SunRisers Hyderabad. It is to be noted that the right-handed batter grabbed the limelight in IPL 2024 match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he scored 42-ball 76. "What I really like about him is - playing for SRH is not easy as a middle-order batter because the tempo with which Head and Abhishek starts is very different to any other IPL team, they just get off to a flyer. What Nitish Reddy did really well was coming and continuing that tempo, and that requires skill. It's one thing taking 5-6 balls, taking your time and exploding, but a lot of times, he was able to maintain the momentum or run rate that the openers and number have set and that I love about him. It's not an easy skill, and it tells me that he is a man who is very sure of the shots he wants to play," DK added.
While Reddy received his maiden India call-up on Zimbabwe tour but had to withdraw due to an injury. He then was named in the Indian squad for the Bangladesh T20I series and made his debut in the first T20I in Gwalior alongside Mayank Yadav. Addressing his future in the Indian cricket, DK added, “He again, is a young boy who, if given an opportunity, will blossom for Indian cricket. I am very excited for Nitish Kumar Reddy, after a long time we have seen another cricketer from Andhra so these are all good signs for Indian cricket.”
The Suryakumar Yadav-led Men in Blue, who have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, will next take on their near neighbours in the second T20I on Wednesday, October 9 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
