New Delhi, October 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes Nitish Kumar Reddy could be a better option than Shivam Dube in the T20I series against New Zealand if India need an additional bowling all-rounder, while backing Varun Chakaravarthy over Kuldeep Yadav as a spin option.
Pujara said India’s selection should depend on playing conditions and the team’s requirements, rather than treating either Reddy or Dube as an automatic choice in the shortest format.
“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 told JioStar.
He drew a distinction between the roles the two players can fulfil, pointing out that Dube offers greater batting strength lower down the order, while Reddy could provide a more suitable balance when India need a bowler who can also contribute with the bat.
“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,” he said.
However, Pujara added that conditions in New Zealand could make Reddy a more attractive choice if India prioritise bowling depth alongside batting options at No. 7 or No. 8.
Pujara also backed Varun Chakaravarthy as a potentially challenging proposition for New Zealand’s batters, despite several of them having faced the mystery spinner.
He suggested that Kuldeep’s effectiveness could be influenced by ground dimensions, particularly the availability of bigger boundaries, while describing Varun as a bowler whose performances depend significantly on confidence.
“Varun, obviously, is a confidence bowler. When he lacks confidence, he can be expensive,” Pujara added.
His assessment highlights the importance of selecting players according to conditions and the specific roles India need them to perform during the T20I series.
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