The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Tuesday that all-rounder Suryansh Shedge has been named as a replacement for the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's T20I squads for the upcoming series against Ireland and England.
Injury Details and Medical Assessment
Nitish Reddy reported discomfort in his left quadriceps following the third ODI against Afghanistan on June 20. Subsequent scans revealed swelling with fiber disruption in the left quadriceps, leading the BCCI medical team to recommend a period of rehabilitation. The 23-year-old has been ruled out of both T20I series and has been asked to report to the Centre of Excellence (COE) for further assessment.
According to a medical bulletin obtained by PTI, Reddy will require a minimum of four weeks for rehabilitation before he can begin 'Return To Play' protocols, with the recovery timeline potentially extending longer.
Suryansh Shedge's Call-Up
Shedge earned his maiden India call-up following a series of impressive performances for India A in the recently concluded tri-series in Sri Lanka. Batting in the middle order, the 23-year-old scored 147 runs in five matches and also contributed with the ball, bowling 23 overs across the tournament.
He was also a standout performer for Mumbai in their victorious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in 2024-25, scoring 131 runs at a strike rate of 251.92 in the lower middle order. His explosive batting and handy bowling make him a like-for-like replacement for Reddy.
Impact on Team Balance
Reddy was also expected to fill the void left by Hardik Pandya, who has a quadriceps niggle and is not in condition to bowl 10 overs in ODIs. The injury to Reddy has now forced the selection committee to look for alternatives. Shedge's ability to bowl medium pace and bat in the lower order provides similar flexibility to the team.
Concerns Over Workload Management
Many observers believe that Reddy's recent increase in bowling speed, from the late 120 kmph to a brisk mid 130 kmph under the guidance of independent fast bowling coach Steffan Jones, may have contributed to the injury. The sudden uptick in pace has placed additional demands on his body, which may not have adapted sufficiently, leading to the quadriceps issue.
Reddy has played 10 Tests, 6 ODIs, and 4 T20Is for India so far. During the Afghanistan series, he played two ODIs, missing the second game in Lucknow. Bowling coach Morne Morkel had initially stated that the injury did not appear serious, but it has since taken a more serious turn.
Upcoming Series
India are set to play a T20I series against Ireland before travelling to England for a multi-format tour. The inclusion of Shedge provides an opportunity for the young all-rounder to showcase his skills on the international stage. The BCCI selection committee will be hoping that Shedge can replicate his domestic form and provide the team with the necessary balance.
