Chennai, June 20: The final match of the three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan is set to take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday. India’s assistant coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, has stated that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is the true successor to senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the Indian team.
In a press conference held on Friday before the third ODI, Ten Doeschate remarked, “Nitish Kumar Reddy has been groomed over the last 18 months with the World Cup next year in mind. He is the genuine successor to Hardik Pandya.”
Ten Doeschate emphasized Hardik’s unique contribution when fit, stating, “When Hardik is fit, he brings a different class. He is a strong batsman and an excellent finisher. It is rare to find finishers who can also bowl. Over the past 18 months, Nitish has demonstrated how crucial he can be for the team. His physique is getting stronger, and he is a real alternative to Hardik.”
He noted that Nitish missed the last match and needs to start playing. “I would like to see Nitish and Washington Sundar alongside five other batsmen in the team,” he added.
Highlighting the role of bowling all-rounders, Ten Doeschate said, “We have players who can bat well at number nine. Gurnoor Barar and Harshit Rana are such bowling all-rounders. Looking ahead to the next 14-15 months, this will become very important, especially with the World Cup in South Africa where we want to field three fast bowlers.”
The assistant coach hinted at changes in the Indian playing eleven for the final ODI, stating, “We will make some changes from the first two matches. Before the series, we decided to try different combinations and give everyone a chance to play. If someone like Arshdeep performs exceptionally well in the first two games, he might rest tomorrow.”
Praising Ishan Kishan, he said, “My only concern with Ishan was whether he could transition from being a T20 specialist to a 50-over or Test player. I believe he has shown his potential. He is naturally aggressive. We still think there is a place for him in this team. Ishan’s versatility allows him to bat anywhere, which is a valuable trait.”
He confirmed that Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting in the third ODI, followed by Shubman Gill at number three.
The Indian team has already won the first two matches of the series. They aim to sweep Afghanistan in the third ODI on Saturday in Chennai.
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