India, June 14 -- When Nitish Kumar Reddy broke onto the international scene in 2024, he was mainly a specialist batter who scored a terrific Test hundred at Melbourne. But given the India team's need, he realised the importance of being an allrounder and got serious about working on his bowling skills.

Ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistan, which has kicked off India's preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, bowling coach Morne Morkel touched upon Reddy's improvement as a bowler. Reddy lived up to expectations, taking two prized scalps in the first game at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday.

Finding a quality pace bowling all-rounder has been on the Indian team management's wishlist.

Reddy's batting potential was never i...