India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has urged all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to prepare for a significantly increased bowling workload during the upcoming five-Test series in England, beginning June 20 in Leeds.
Why the Change?
- Mohammed Shami unavailable due to fitness issues, while Jasprit Bumrah is expected to play only three of the five Tests because of workload management concerns.
- With senior pacers limited in availability, Reddy and Shardul Thakur are being positioned as critical support options alongside the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna.
Morkel’s Message to Reddy
Speaking after a practice session in Beckenham, Morkel emphasized:
- “He’s a guy that can bowl that magical ball”, but must focus on consistency.
- “I’ve challenged him to bowl a bit more… I want to see the ball more in his hands… for a team, if we can have the bowling options—especially in these conditions—I think he’ll be exciting and can complement this bowling attack”.
Reddy, who has taken five Test wickets— all in Australia—now faces the challenge of translating potential into performance on seamer-friendly English pitches.
The Broader Context
With India entering a new World Test Championship cycle, skipper Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir must carefully manage resources. Bumrah’s use will be selective, while Reddy and Thakur provide the necessary flexibility to maintain a potent pace attack.
Morkel was pleased with the team’s attitude:
“The guys have stepped up by themselves, taken ownership and responsibility… we can’t afford to find our feet in this series”
What This Means for Reddy
- Increased bowling expectations: From part-time seamer to reliable fourth pacer.
- Skill refinement: Developing repeatable control is key under English conditions rife with swing and seam movement.
- Team dynamics: Providing balance in the bowling lineup will be crucial when Bumrah is rested or unavailable.
Final Word
India’s tour of England offers a prime platform for Nitish Kumar Reddy to cement his role not just as a batting all-rounder, but as a dependable seam option. With Morkel’s backing and the team’s strategic need for depth, Reddy must now deliver consistency under pressure.
