IND vs NZ 2026: ‘Asking too much’ - Zaheer Khan defends Nitish Kumar Reddy post Ryan ten Doeschate’s bold remarks

Published - 18 Jan 2026, 18:24 IST | Updated - 18 Jan 2026, 18:48 IST

India’s ongoing ODI series against New Zealand has taken an unexpected off-field twist, with former fast bowler Zaheer Khan coming in support of Nitish Kumar Reddy after India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate’s blunt assessment of the young all-rounder. Reddy is part of the playing XI for the last two ODIs against New Zealand.

Ten Doeschate, in his post-match press conference, questioned the Andhra cricketer's impact after India lost the second ODI in Rajkot, saying that despite limited opportunities, the 22-year-old “often ends up not doing a heck of a lot” with bat or ball. The coach’s comments triggered a strong response from the veteran pacer.

Reacting to those remarks, Zaheer did not mince words, pointing to the fact that the youngster is still finding his footing at the international level and is still learning. He suggested the management should give Reddy time and backing instead of publicly highlighting his struggles.

"I think it's asking too much of Nitish Reddy at this moment if this is the case. It's still early days, so it's about creating that environment of security for him. They should make sure he is given the situation to express freely and cement his place. Give him ample opportunities where even if he has to fail, that's fine. But give that chance of comfort. If not, the player again starts thinking he has to do extra,” said Zaheer on Cricbuzz.

"In that process, desperation can creep in or a failure can lead to 10 times more pressure to perform. The management needs to wary of this fact that the emotional balance of the player is maintained. Rather than putting pressure from their side, their primary role is to ease off the pressure in the dressing room," he concluded.

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Former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane, too, extended his support towards the 22-year-old. The KKR captain said that the team management should give Nitish the support and try, while trying to develop him into a proper all-round option, just like Hardik Pandya.

"It's important he is given the freedom from the management to perform. He hasn't played many domestic games as well so he needs that confidence from the team management. He is replacing Hardik Pandya so whatever role Hardik is going to play in the ODI World Cup, you've to give Nitish Kumar Reddy the same role and back him," said Rahane.

After his epic century in Australia, the Visakhapatnam-born has struggled in international cricket. In three ODIs, he has only scored 47 runs, with a disappointing average of 23.5, while failing to pick up a single wicket with the ball.