IND vs WI 2026: 'His confidence is growing' – Dinesh Karthik backs Nitish Kumar Reddy to play a key role

Nitish Kumar Reddy was introduced into the India vs West Indies T20I series for the third match at Indore on October 11, 2026, replacing Shivam Dube in the playing eleven. Reddy had missed the opening fixture of the series as he was part of the recently concluded ODI series, and India chose not to risk his fitness by asking him to play consecutive games immediately after.

Dinesh Karthik has assessed Reddy's performance and potential in the series, highlighting the all-rounder's development as a key player for India. According to Karthik, Reddy's role in the middle overs has been carefully managed to allow him to grow in confidence and responsibility.

"In T20 cricket, on such flat pitches, if you lack pace below a certain point, it is gettable. He is a bowler who is getting better, I feel. His confidence is showing with every game that he is playing. They have tried him with the new ball, they have probably realised that is not what they want out of him" said Karthik on Cricbuzz.

Reddy's performance in the third T20I demonstrated his growing role in the side. He scored 21 runs with the bat and returned bowling figures of 1 for 19 in two overs. His bowling at the death overs showed promise, with Reddy displaying excellent yorkers to restrict the opposition.

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Accuracy and all-round potential

Karthik believes Reddy's development as an all-rounder depends on his ability to improve his accuracy with the ball. The former India wicketkeeper-batter noted that Reddy's batting showed promise despite a dismissal down the leg side, and emphasised the importance of continued backing from the team management.

"For him, it is actually going to be about accuracy. I thought he batted nicely, got caught down the leg side, and that is never a nice feeling. I do feel that if you keep giving him the confidence, he can blossom into a good all-rounder," Karthik said.

Speaking about the series, India are currently leading 2-1 and the fourth game is set to happen at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.