Nitish Kumar Reddy (Source: AFP)
Team India have received a major boost ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy declared fit for selection.
The 23-year-old had missed the second ODI in Lucknow after suffering a sore left thigh, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the series.
However, the latest update suggests that the youngster has recovered well and is ready to return to action for the much-awaited IND vs AFG 3rd ODI.
Nitish Reddy Missed Second ODI Due To Thigh Injury
Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out of the second ODI against Afghanistan because of a quadriceps issue in his left thigh.
The BCCI confirmed before the match that the all-rounder was unavailable for selection due to the injury.
In an official statement, the BCCI said that Reddy was suffering from a sore left thigh and that the medical team was closely monitoring his progress.
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"Mr Nitish Kumar Reddy was unavailable for selection for the second ODI due to a sore left thigh. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress," BCCI statement read.
As a result, debutant Prince Yadav was included in the playing XI for the second ODI.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Fit For IND vs AFG 3rd ODI
Ahead of the third ODI at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate provided a positive fitness update on the him.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he revealed that Reddy was very close to playing in the previous match and is now fully fit for selection.
"Nitish is good to go for tomorrow, he was close to playing last game," Ryan ten Doeschate said, as quoted by PTI.
With the series already won, India could now consider bringing Nitish Kumar Reddy back into the India's playing XI as they look to complete a clean sweep against Afghanistan.
If Nitish Reddy Is Available, Who Will Miss Out?
With Nitish Reddy available for the IND vs AFG 3rd ODI, India will likely make changes to the playing XI. There is a chance that India will stick with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, followed by captain Shubman Gill at no. 3, then vice-captain Shreyas Iyer at no. 4.
In the middle order, India will likely go with KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar.
In the bowling department, India might go with Harshit Rana, who has been added to the squad for the 3rd ODI, followed by Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, and spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
So, in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy, there are chances that India might keep Ishan Kishan out of the XI.
The star player has shown remarkable form with the bat, and there is a chance the think tank and management might want to rest him for the dead-rubber match.
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