As India prepares for a challenging Test series in England, bowling coach Morne Morkel has thrown his weight behind emerging talent Nitish Kumar Reddy, urging the young all-rounder to embrace a greater role with the ball. With the management continuing to monitor Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, the search for a dependable pace option is intensifying.
Morkel, the former South African fast bowler now part of India’s support staff, believes Reddy has the raw skill to deliver match-defining deliveries in English conditions — what he refers to as the “magical ball.” The coach sees potential beyond Reddy’s batting, where he has already made headlines, including a century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the Australian tour.
Reddy’s bowling, though underutilized, has shown glimpses of promise. He bowled just 44 overs in nine innings in Australia, claiming five wickets, and picked up two more in 26.5 overs during the recent England Lions series. Despite the modest stats, Morkel is optimistic.
“He’s a skillful bowler and I believe he can produce that game-changing ball. Our focus with him is on building rhythm and consistency,” said Morkel during a training session with the Indian team. “If he can contribute with the ball in these conditions, especially in England where swing and seam matter, he becomes an exciting all-round package.”
With head coach Gautam Gambhir also supportive of Reddy’s inclusion in the longer format, comparisons with Hardik Pandya have naturally followed — an all-rounder India has been missing in the Test format.
When asked if Reddy’s rise could put pressure on experienced all-rounders like Shardul Thakur, Morkel remained measured: “We’re comfortable with the current balance, but we’re always looking for players who can shift gears in Test cricket.”
Morkel also highlighted the importance of red-ball readiness, noting the long gap since India’s last Test outing. He emphasized that while England offers helpful bowling conditions — particularly under overcast skies — the pitches still support batters, making sharpness and endurance essential.
“Test cricket demands more than just skill — it’s about preparation, fitness, and mental toughness. That’s our focus right now,” he concluded.
