India’s plans for the white-ball format have hit a snag as all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been sidelined from the upcoming T20I series against Ireland due to a left quadriceps injury. The 23-year-old, who is seen as one of India’s promising seam-bowling all-rounders, sustained the injury during the recent ODI series against Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the situation worsened after the third ODI in Chennai, leading to his exclusion from the Ireland series and casting doubt on his availability for the England leg as well. With Hardik Pandya also out due to injury, India will head into the series without either of their key pace-bowling all-rounders.
This setback follows medical evaluations that confirmed damage to Reddy’s left quadriceps. The BCCI medical team reported that scans showed swelling and fiber disruption in the affected area. He has been advised to go to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further evaluation and rehabilitation. Initial estimates indicate a recovery time of at least four weeks, but this could change based on his healing progress. Consequently, he has been ruled out of both the T20Is against Ireland and the following T20I series in England.
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Suryansh Shedge Replaces Nitish Reddy in India T20I Squad
In exciting news, Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge has received his first call-up to the Indian team, stepping in for Reddy in the T20I squads set to tour Ireland and England. The selectors were impressed by Shedge’s impressive run of performances for India A during the recent tri-series in Sri Lanka, where he shone in the middle order, amassing 147 runs over five matches and also making his mark with the ball by bowling 23 overs throughout the tournament.
Shedge first caught the spotlight during Mumbai’s triumphant Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in the 2024-25 season. As a lower middle-order finisher, he racked up 131 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 251.92, earning a reputation for his ability to score quickly and finish games under pressure. His knack for stepping up in various roles only bolstered his chances for national selection.
India’s tour begins with a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and June 28. The team will then travel to England for a five-match T20I series starting on July 1, followed by a three-match ODI series.
