There are fitness concerns over Nitish Kumar Reddy's fitness | PC- AFP
Team India's next assignment will be the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in the capital city, starting on September 13. The Shreyas Iyer-led side has picked a strong squad, but it includes four players despite fitness concerns.
Earlier, it was reported that Washington Sundar has been declared fit for the IND vs AFG T20Is. Meanwhile, there is no such update on Jasprit Bumrah.
Additionally, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy have apparently completed their fitness tests, but the clearances are still pending.
However, according to a top journalist, Rohit Jugran, Reddy might miss the T20Is vs Afghanistan as well, as he hinted that the team management may look at fresh faces in the all-rounder department after missing a trick with Suryansh Shedge in the UK.
“So first NKR now Suryansh Shedge - let’s see who they call now,” the journalist hinted. “Both are injured,” he added.
In this article, we will analyse the choices India would have as fast-bowling all-rounders if Nitish Kumar Reddy fails to prove his fitness.
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer had an awesome second half of IPL 2026 for RCB, filling in Phil Salt's big shoes. He ended the trophy-lifting season with 209 runs in six innings at a whopping strike rate of 186.61, including two superb knocks: a 73 against PBKS and his blitz vs GT in the finale. However, he didn't bowl at all for Bengaluru.
Venkatesh played a fine hand for Indore Pink Panthers, smashing 276 runs and taking four wickets as well.
The all-rounder has already played for India, and he would be a brilliant replacement for Nitish Kumar Reddy in the current Indian T20I squad.
Also Read: Afghanistan Cricket Shows Wrong Indian Map In Promo, Thrashed By Fans For Blunder
Madhav Tiwari
If you don't recall who Madhav Tiwari is, go through the highlights of DC vs PBKS from IPL 2026. The Madhya Pradesh-based all-rounder announced himself in his debut season with a nerve-wracking finish, smoking an eight-ball 18* and taking them over the line in a chase of 211 runs.
After that game, Tiwari made an emphatic statement about his all-rounder calibre: "I am 100% batter, 100% bowler."
Tiwari was a whole different gravy in the MP T20 2026, racking up 370 runs and scalping 13 wickets, ending the tournament in the top run-scoring and wicket-taking tallies. He has shown that he has all the ingredients to play at the highest level.
Money Grewal
Money Grewal was one of the finds of the Delhi Premier League. However, the recently concluded edition unearthed the all-rounder in him.
The DPL 2025 was his best in terms of wickets, where the right-arm bowler bagged 20 wickets for Central Delhi Kings. However, this season, he took 18 wickets in 13 innings, alongside 97 runs at a breathtaking strike rate of 215.56.
Grewal played a mind-boggling knock against West Delhi Lions, as his 16-ball 42 made the difference in a high-scoring thriller, which the Central Delhi Kings won by 21 runs. However, it might be too early to unleash him at the highest level.
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