‘Huge plus for any team’: Sunil Gavaskar identifies India’s next X-factor | Cricket News

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s growing value to India’s ODI setup earned high praise from Sunil Gavaskar after the all-rounder’s impactful display in the opening ODI against Afghanistan in Dharamsala on Saturday.In the rain-shortened 25-over contest, India captain Shubman Gill opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Afghanistan made a strong start, largely thanks to a blistering century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who hammered 102 runs from just 51 deliveries. However, it was Reddy’s crucial breakthrough that shifted the momentum in India’s favour.The young all-rounder produced a pinpoint yorker to dismiss Gurbaz, finishing with figures of 2 for 31 from his four overs. The wicket proved decisive as India fought back impressively, bowling Afghanistan out for 194 before completing a comfortable seven-wicket victory.“Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up a huge wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz with a perfect yorker. If you can nail yorkers like that, you become a valuable asset,” Gavaskar told JioStar.The former India captain highlighted how Reddy’s yorker changed the course of the innings after Gurbaz attempted to create room for himself only to see his stumps shattered.“Every time he tried something fancy, it went for runs. But every time he went back to the yorker, it worked,” Gavaskar said.Gavaskar also stressed the tactical flexibility Reddy offers to the Indian team through his all-round abilities.“So, here’s the takeaway. India now have a player in Nitish Kumar Reddy who can fill the role of a fifth or sixth bowler. Depending on the pitch and match situation, he gives the captain and selectors flexibility. ‘Pick me as a batter, pick me as a bowler, I am ready.’ That is a huge plus for any team,” Gavaskar said.Reddy’s rise has gathered momentum over the past year. While he has long been regarded as a promising batter, his bowling has developed significantly and is becoming an increasingly valuable part of his game.The 2026 IPL season reflected that progress. Alongside scoring 302 runs, Reddy claimed eight wickets and regularly delivered key breakthroughs for his side. It also turned out to be his most productive IPL campaign across the four seasons he has featured in so far, further strengthening his case as a genuine all-round option for India.