Nitish Reddy's 3-24 fires India to 2-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan
Synopsis
Fresh off an injury layoff, Nitish Kumar Reddy returned to bowling with a three-wicket haul to help India seal an unassailable 2-0 T20I series lead over Afghanistan in New Delhi. The 23-year-old's declaration that he wants to become 'the greatest all-rounder' puts down a marker for Indian cricket's next generation of match-winners.
Key Takeaways
Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed 3-24 in the 2nd T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium , New Delhi , on 15 September 2026 .
India restricted Afghanistan to 159/8 and won by seven wickets , taking an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Sanju Samson hit 57 off 22 balls and Abhishek Sharma contributed 39 off 19 to power the chase.
Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out of the remainder of the series with a side strain .
Reddy, 23 , said his goal is to become 'the greatest all-rounder' and his extra pace is a deliberate part of that plan.
Reddy credited rehabilitation work at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for his improved fitness and confidence.
Nitish Kumar Reddy announced his return to full bowling fitness with a decisive 3-24 in the second T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, helping India restrict the visitors to 159/8 and then chase down the target by seven wickets to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Reddy's Match-Winning Spell
The 23-year-old all-rounder's three breakthroughs came in the middle overs, precisely where Afghanistan had been threatening to accelerate from a steady start into a bigger score. Named Player of the Match, Reddy credited the rigorous rehabilitation work done at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for restoring his confidence and adding extra pace to his arsenal.
'It's good. Right now I'm feeling great. We have done some great work at CoE, and the body's recovering well,' Reddy said after receiving the award. His return was particularly timely given that Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out of the remainder of the series with a side strain, leaving India short of a key bowling option heading into the game.
The Ambition Behind the Comeback
For Reddy, the impressive spell is not merely about recovering lost ground — it is part of a grander personal mission. 'I feel great. I always wanted to become the greatest all-rounder, and for that I wanted that extra pace, which I'm getting. You will have the pros and cons, and (staying) fit,' he said. The statement signals a long-term blueprint rather than a short-term fix, as Reddy positions himself as a genuine seam-bowling all-rounder capable of earning a regular place across formats.
Reflecting on the mental side of his comeback, Reddy added: 'I would say it's all about trusting your ability and making that comeback, and I was just believing in myself. It's a funny game; anything can change in a moment.' His performance was a marked contrast to the first T20I, where he had limited impact with the ball.
India's Dominant Chase
Sanju Samson's explosive 57 off 22 balls and Abhishek Sharma's brisk 39 off 19 powered India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory, completing the chase with relative ease. The win gives India an unassailable lead with one match still remaining, confirming the series victory well ahead of the final game.
What This Means for India's T20I Setup
Reddy's effective return with the ball provides the Indian team management with an encouraging additional option as they continue to fine-tune the balance of their T20I squad. With all-round depth a perennial concern for India in the shortest format, a fit and firing Reddy — capable of contributing with both bat and ball — significantly strengthens their resources. This comes amid broader discussions around India's seam-bowling all-rounder pool, a position the team has historically found difficult to fill consistently. Reddy's emergence as a credible candidate at just 23 makes his progress one of the more compelling sub-plots of India's T20I cycle heading into the next ICC event.
Point of View
A slot that has eluded selectors for years. His pace development, pursued deliberately through the rehabilitation process, suggests a player with a structured long-term plan rather than a reactive one. The caveat is that Afghanistan is not the sternest test; the real measure will come against stronger batting line-ups in bigger tournaments. But at 23, with ambition this clearly stated, Reddy has earned the right to be given that examination.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the 2nd T20I between India and Afghanistan?
India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets in the 2nd T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on 15 September 2026, restricting the visitors to 159/8 before chasing down the target comfortably. The win gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
How did Nitish Reddy perform in the 2nd T20I?
Nitish Kumar Reddy took three wickets for 24 runs (3-24), earning the Player of the Match award. His spell in the middle overs was the key factor in preventing Afghanistan from posting a bigger total.
Why is Nitish Reddy's comeback significant for India?
Reddy had been sidelined by injury and had limited bowling impact in the 1st T20I. His return to form with the ball gives India a genuine seam-bowling all-rounder option, particularly important after Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out of the series with a side strain.
Who starred in India's chase in the 2nd T20I?
Sanju Samson top-scored with 57 off just 22 balls, while Abhishek Sharma contributed 39 off 19. Their aggressive opening partnership set the tone for India's seven-wicket victory.
What did Nitish Reddy say about his all-rounder ambitions?
Reddy said he has always wanted to become the greatest all-rounder and has been working specifically on adding extra pace to his bowling as part of that goal. He credited the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for his improved fitness and mental belief during his comeback.
