Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Nitish Kumar Reddy as the preferred all-rounder option for India's upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, arguing that the youngster's superior bowling gives him an edge over Shivam Dube when conditions demand an additional wicket-taking resource. Pujara also backed Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of Kuldeep Yadav as India's primary spin option for the tour.

The Reddy vs Dube Debate

Pujara stressed that no player in the T20 format should be considered an automatic selection, with conditions and team balance driving every call. He acknowledged that Dube offers more firepower as a lower-order batter but drew a clear line when bowling becomes a priority. 'In the T20 format, in my opinion, no player's spot in the playing eleven is completely cemented because you select the team based on conditions. So, if the Indian team needs a bowling all-rounder, then Nitish Kumar Reddy can be that, because his bowling is better than Shivam Dube's,' Pujara said in an interview to JioStar.

He elaborated on the specific scenario where Reddy would be the logical pick. 'If you are looking for a batter at number seven, then it's not even a conversation. Shivam Dube is a good batter who can give you one or two overs in the T20 format. But if there are conditions in New Zealand where you need a bowler first and someone who can go and bat at number seven or eight, then Nitish Kumar Reddy can be that option,' he added.

Pujara's Take on the Spin Combination

Beyond the all-rounder question, Pujara weighed in on India's spin selection, favouring the mystery of Varun Chakaravarthy over the wrist-spin craft of Kuldeep Yadav. He noted that while a majority of New Zealand batters have now faced Varun, the variations he brings still make him a difficult proposition. 'In the T20 format, especially among the New Zealand batters, not all of them have played Varun. A majority of the players have played him, but I still feel he is a mystery bowler,' Pujara observed.

The former India batter also flagged a potential vulnerability in Kuldeep's game in New Zealand. 'It feels like Kuldeep is a bit under pressure. He bowls better where there are bigger boundaries. Varun, obviously, is a confidence bowler. When he lacks confidence, he can be expensive,' he said. The remark points to a structural concern — smaller grounds in New Zealand could limit the effectiveness of a bowler who relies heavily on flight and loop.

Context: What's at Stake in the Selection Call

India's T20I squad balance has been a recurring discussion since the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, with selectors attempting to identify the right mix of batting depth and bowling cover in the middle order. Reddy's emergence as a genuine pace-bowling option who can bat lower down the order offers a dimension that has previously been difficult to fill. His Test debut, where he showed composure both with bat and ball in Australia, has strengthened his case across formats.

Pujara's assessment effectively separates the two all-rounders into distinct roles rather than positioning them as direct rivals, which could give India's team management flexibility depending on conditions across different venues in New Zealand. The series, which follows a packed home calendar, will also be an opportunity for the squad to road-test combinations ahead of the next ICC T20 World Cup cycle.

What to Watch

India's final squad announcement and the playing XI for the first T20I will be the key indicator of whether the management aligns with Pujara's condition-based thinking. The performance of Varun Chakaravarthy on New Zealand pitches — which tend to assist pace more than spin — will also be closely monitored as a test of his adaptability beyond subcontinental conditions.