India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy sat out of the third match of the ongoing ODI series against Australia in Sydney on Saturday (October 25). Here’ why.
Having already lost the three-match ODI series, India went into the dead rubber with two changes; Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna came in for Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh.
India's captain Shubman Gill revealed the changes after his team were sent in to bowl, having lost their 18th consecutive toss in ODIs and extending their record tally.
"We would have bowled first to be honest. Have a target and then try and chase it," Gill said.
"I think we got what we wanted. We had enough runs in the last game and just missed a couple of chances. We've made two changes. Kuldeep and Prasidh come in for Reddy and Arshdeep."
Here’s a look at #TeamIndia’s playing XI 🙌
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 25, 2025
Two changes as Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna are back in the side.
Updates ▶ https://t.co/4oXLzrieDe#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ra3JwTilg8
Why is Nitish Kumar Reddy not playing the third Australia ODI?
With Hardik Pandya’s absence from the series due to lower back stiffness, India opted for Reddy’s services in the first two ODIs as the team’s only seam-bowling all-rounder. In the series opener, he scored 19 not out and conceded 16 runs in the 2.1 overs he bowled. In the second, he made eight and returned figures of 0-24 from three overs. Despite the poor outings, Reddy was expected to retain his place going into the final match as India are looking to groom him.
"Someone like Hardik Pandya is always a big loss. But if we look at the positive side, Nitish Kumar Reddy is getting some game time and we're trying to groom him," India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said in a pre-match press conference ahead of the second match.
Also read: Nitish Kumar Reddy interview: Overnight hero in Australia, NKR now sets sights on England
He added: "Every team needs an all-rounder, and we're trying to develop him in that role. So it's a good preparation in that way. But yes, any team would miss a player like Hardik. In a way, if we look at in hindsight, it's a positive that Nitish is getting match time at this level."
However, he was ruled out of the final ODI due to an injury sustained during the second match.
"Nitish Kumar Reddy sustained a left quadriceps injury during the second ODI in Adelaide and was subsequently unavailable for selection for the third ODI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring him on a daily basis," said a BCCI release.
Reddy impressed with a resilient century during India's last tour of Australia for a five-match Test series nearly a year back. Australia, meanwhile, made one change, bringing in Nathan Ellis in place of Xavier Bartlett.
Shreyas Iyer injured during Australia innings
Later, Shreyas Iyer suffered an injury as well, injuring his ribs while completing a stunning catch of Alex Carey. He fell on his side, and was seen wincing in pain immediately, unable to get up for a while. He went off the field soon after.
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