Nitish Reddy has been ruled out of the tours to England and Ireland. The Indian cricket team is set to play a two-match T20I series against Ireland, starting on June 26. Following that, the team will travel to England to play five T20Is and three ODIs. The team faces the new challenge of preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, as well as the subsequent Olympics and the 2028 T20I World Cup.
India's premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya had already been ruled out of this tour after sustaining an injury while playing for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Nitish Kumar Reddy had been selected as his replacement, as he was seen as a player with similar potential capable of cementing his place in the team. However, he too sustained an injury while playing in the ODI series against Afghanistan.
His quadriceps injury has worsened, forcing him out of the Ireland and England tours. This comes as a major blow to the team management, who are now looking for another all-rounder to replace Reddy for the tour.
Who will replace Nitish Reddy in the Indian squad for the England and Ireland tour?
1. Suryansh Shedge
Suryansh Shedge is the frontrunner to replace Nitish Reddy in the squad for the tours of Ireland and England. Shedge is in excellent form, having performed well in both the IPL and for the India A team that won the tri-series in Sri Lanka. He offers the option of a robust, hard-hitting batsman who can also bowl medium-pace; this makes him an ideal replacement for Nitish, given the similarity in their skill sets.
Shedge has demonstrated a consistent ability to play aggressively while also successfully handling the challenging task of anchoring an innings. At 23, he has the advantage of youth and is rapidly emerging as a promising all-rounder option for the Indian team management.
2. Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya is another all-rounder who could step in for Nitish Reddy. Krunal last played for the national team in 2021 but failed to cement his place at the time. However, following consistently impressive seasons in the IPL, he has emerged as a strong contender for a spot in the Indian squad. He played a pivotal role in helping RCB secure back-to-back titles, delivering outstanding performances with both bat and ball. A player of his caliber could be recalled to the Indian team, and he might soon get the opportunity to fill Reddy's spot.
3. Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer last played for India in 2022, but the team management did not view him as a key option thereafter. Having played only nine T20Is and two ODIs so far, Iyer could make a comeback, especially after recently helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure their second IPL title.
Venkatesh Iyer played a pivotal role in his team's IPL success. After spending most matches on the bench, he finally earned a spot in the main lineup following injuries to Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell. However, with his brilliant batting, he ensured that neither the team nor the fans felt the absence of those players. Iyer also bowls right-arm medium pace and could be considered as a replacement for Nitish Reddy in the team.
India tour of England, 2026 Schedule
Venue - Riverside Ground T20
IND
Venue - Emirates Old Trafford T20
IND
Venue - Trent Bridge T20
IND
Venue - Bristol County Ground T20
IND
Venue - The Rose Bowl T20
IND
Venue - Edgbaston ODI
IND
Venue - Sophia Gardens ODI
IND
Venue - Lords ODI
IND
India tour of Ireland, 2026 Schedule
Venue - Civil Service Cricket Club T20
IND
Venue - Civil Service Cricket Club T20
IND
Also Read: IPL 2027: High-profile trade between DC and LSG
Disclaimer
Possible11 is a sports news and analysis platform designed purely for entertainment and educational purposes. All match previews, player insights, and team analyses are based on publicly available information and expert opinions. We do not promote or support betting, gambling, or real-money gaming in any form. Users are encouraged to enjoy our content responsibly and use it for informational purposes only.
Give Your Feedback