3 players who can replace Nitish Reddy in England & Ireland ODIs

India have been dealt another injury setback ahead of the upcoming ODI assignments against Ireland and England, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out after sustaining a quadriceps injury. The injury, which first became evident during the second ODI against Afghanistan, has now been confirmed through an MRI scan that revealed swelling and fibre disruption in his left quadriceps. As a result, the youngster is expected to spend several weeks in rehabilitation before beginning his return-to-play program.

Reddy's absence comes at a particularly difficult time for the Indian team, which is already grappling with fitness concerns surrounding key players. Hardik Pandya remains unavailable due to a quadriceps niggle that has limited his ability to bowl in the 50-over format, while Virat Kohli's participation in the England series is still dependent on his recovery and fitness assessments. With India losing another pace-bowling all-rounder, the team management faces an important selection decision ahead of the tour.

Given Nitish Kumar Reddy's ability to contribute with both bat and ball, replacing him will not be an easy task. However, India have several talented all-rounders in contention who could step up and fill the void during the Ireland and England ODI series. Here are three players who could replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's squad.

3 players who could replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's ODI squads for Ireland and England

3. Suryansh Shedge

Suryansh Shedge

The third player on this list is Suryansh Shedge, who has emerged as a strong contender to replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's squad for the ODI series against Ireland and England. The Mumbai all-rounder, who represented Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, has impressed with both bat and ball over the past few months. His performances for PBKS and India A have put him firmly in the selectors' spotlight.

Shedge's numbers highlight his value as a hard-hitting all-rounder. Playing for Punjab Kings, he scored 165 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 163.36, including a half-century. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle and lower order, while also contributing with the ball, makes him an attractive option for the selectors.

His recent performances for India A have further strengthened his case. Shedge scored 72 runs and picked up 1/13 against Sri Lanka A, while also making useful contributions of 40 and 26* in other matches. He chipped in with wickets as well, proving that he can contribute in both departments consistently.

What makes Shedge a strong replacement for Nitish Reddy is his similar all-round skill set. He offers India a powerful middle-order batting option along with useful medium-pace bowling, providing the balance that the team could miss in Reddy's absence. At just 23 years old, Shedge is rapidly emerging as one of India's most exciting all-round prospects.

2. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya

The second player on this list is Krunal Pandya, who could be a strong replacement for Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's ODI squad for the Ireland and England series. While Krunal is a different type of all-rounder compared to Reddy, his experience, versatility, and ability to contribute in both departments make him a valuable option. Having played international cricket and handled pressure situations before, Krunal brings much-needed experience to the side.

Krunal enjoyed an impressive IPL 2026 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, playing a key role in their title-winning campaign. He scored 226 runs in 9 innings at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80, while also taking 14 wickets in 15 innings. Across his IPL career, Krunal has scored 1,982 runs and picked up 107 wickets, highlighting his consistency as a genuine all-rounder.

His international numbers also show his ability to perform at the highest level. In five ODIs, Krunal has scored 130 runs at an average of 65.00, including a half-century, while also contributing with the ball. In T20Is, he has taken 15 wickets in 19 matches and has regularly provided useful runs lower down the order. As a left-arm spinner, he can control the middle overs with his variations, surprising bouncers and disciplined bowling.

Although Krunal does not offer the same pace-bowling option as Nitish Reddy, he provides India with balance through his left-arm spin and aggressive batting. His recent form, vast experience, and all-round abilities make him a strong contender for a place in the squad. If the selectors prefer experience over youth, Krunal Pandya could be one of the first names considered as Reddy's replacement.

1. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur

The top player on this list is Shardul Thakur, who appears to be the most experienced and reliable option to replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's ODI squad for the Ireland and England series. Known for his ability to make an impact with both bat and ball, Thakur has built a reputation as a genuine match-winner in white-ball cricket. His experience at the international level and familiarity with English conditions make him a strong candidate for the role.

Shardul also had a solid IPL 2026 campaign with the Mumbai Indians. He played nine matches and picked up 12 wickets, including best figures of 4/39. While he did not get many opportunities with the bat, he continued to show his value as a bowling all-rounder who can contribute useful runs in the lower order when needed.

His ODI record highlights the experience he brings to the squad. In 47 ODIs, Thakur has scored 329 runs at a strike rate of 105.11, including a half-century. More importantly, he has taken 65 wickets, with best figures of 4/37. His ability to break partnerships and deliver wickets at crucial moments has often helped India turn games in their favour.

Thakur also has a respectable record against England in ODI cricket. In four matches, he has taken eight wickets at an average of 26.12 and has also scored 52 runs at an impressive strike rate of 152.94. With his proven success in ODI cricket, experience in overseas conditions, and ability to contribute in both departments, Shardul Thakur stands out as the strongest replacement option for Nitish Kumar Reddy in the upcoming Ireland and England series.

Notable Mentions

Apart from the three players mentioned above, India have a few other options if the selectors decide to look beyond the obvious candidates. Shivam Dube is one such player who could come into consideration. The experienced all-rounder is already part of India's T20I setup and has previously been involved with the ODI squad. His ability to score quick runs and bowl useful medium pace makes him a potential replacement option.

Another player who could attract attention is Vipraj Nigam. The Delhi Capitals all-rounder impressed during IPL 2026 and has emerged as one of the most promising young all-rounders in the country. Although he is a spin-bowling all-rounder rather than a pace-bowling option like Nitish Kumar Reddy, his ability to contribute in both departments could make him a surprise selection.

Venkatesh Iyer is another name that cannot be ignored. The left-handed all-rounder last played for India in 2022 and has featured in nine T20Is and two ODIs so far. While he has been out of the national setup for some time, he remains a proven performer in domestic cricket and franchise leagues. His ability to bat in the middle order and provide a few overs of medium pace gives India another all-round option to consider.

If the selectors decide to go with a specialist batter instead, players like Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rinku Singh could also be in the mix. Patidar enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2026 campaign, scoring 501 runs in 15 matches, while Rahul scored 593 runs and Padikkal added 464 runs. Rinku also made valuable contributions in the middle order. Meanwhile, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains a strong bowling option after taking 28 wickets in IPL 2026. With so many players performing well, the selectors have several quality options available if they need a replacement for Nitish Kumar Reddy.