'Nitish Kumar Reddy has raised your expectations' - Aakash Chopra lauds all-rounder after 2nd T20I heroics vs Afghanistan

Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a match-winning bowling performance in India's 7-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the 2nd T20I at Delhi on September 15, 2026. The all-rounder took 3 wickets for 24 runs across 3 overs and was named Player of the Match. Reddy dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan to restrict Afghanistan to 159 for 8.

Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra highlighted India's bowling control throughout the match and specifically praised Reddy's contribution. Chopra noted that India's primary concern heading into the series was the performance of the fifth bowler and whether that player could deliver wickets when required. Reddy's role extended beyond his three-over spell, as he was entrusted with bowling the final over of Afghanistan's innings, a responsibility that underscored India's confidence in his death-bowling ability.

"What was India's problem? India's problem was what the fifth bowler would do, how he would bowl, and whether he would be able to pick up wickets. I am quite happy with the way things went. Jasprit Bumrah conceded 25 runs in four overs and picked up a wicket. He is gold. He bowls the same way whenever you bowl him. Arshdeep Singh has had an excellent series - 35 runs in four overs and two wickets," Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

"Axar Patel - 28 runs in four overs. Once again, he bowled like a bank. Ravi Bishnoi conceded 32 runs and picked up a wicket. Nitish Kumar Reddy - 24 runs in three overs and three wickets. You even got him to bowl the 20th over. Nitish Kumar Reddy has raised your expectations a little. For the question of who after Hardik Pandya, he is putting his hat into the ring," he added.

Also Read: 'Encourage them when they don't have a good match' - Sunil Gavaskar after Nitish kumar Reddy's heroics vs Afghanistan

India's chase was completed in 14.5 overs, with Sanju Samson scoring 57 and Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan also scoring half-centuries to secure a comfortable victory. The win gave India a 2-0 lead in the 3-match series. The inconsequential third T20I will be held at the same venue on Thursday, September 17.