India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has come under severe scrutiny for his underwhelming display in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot on Wednesday (January 14).

Reddy, the sole change in India's playing XI for the second ODI, scored 20 off 21 balls while batting at No. 7 and returned with the bowling figures of 0/13 in two overs.

During the post-match presser, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also offered blunt assessment of Reddy’s modest performance, saying: "With Nitish, we keep talking about developing him and getting him game time and then when you do get him game time, he often ends up not doing a heck of a lot in the games."

He added. "For someone who's making their way, particularly with the bat tonight (Wednesday), it was that perfect chance where you're walking in that situation, and you've got a chance to spend 15 overs at the wicket. You really have to take those chances to push your case to be selected."

However, former India cricketers Aakash Chopra, Robin Uthappa, and Manoj Tiwary called for patience with Nitish Kumar Reddy, stressing time and opportunities for the young all-rounder to consistently deliver for the team.

“Being an all-rounder is not easy. You have to master two skills. Ravindra Jadeja didn’t become what he is overnight, nor did Hardik Pandya. They became complete players because of the time they spent in international cricket. Nitish Reddy also needs that time," Uthappa was quoted as saying to PTI Videos.

Chopra mentioned that the Reddy has not received ample chances to prove his worth for the team.

“We make him bat at number seven, where he gets limited chances, and he bowls very few overs. If you don’t give opportunities, it becomes difficult for any young cricketer to make an impact unless you are an opener or a new-ball bowler," Chopra explained, emphasising that Reddy deserves an extended run.

Tiwary pointed out that Nitish Reddy’s downfall started following his maiden international century against Australia at MCG.

“Nitish’s downfall started after that innings. The over-celebration may have affected him. Now is the time for him to revisit the basics and get everything back in line," Tiwary said during an event launch, adding that India should encourage the youngster to bowl more. “Fast bowling all-rounders are rare in India."

Commenting on India’s T20 World Cup preparations, Chopra highlighted the importance of two injured players Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar.

“Tilak Varma is an important cog in the side. I hope he is fit and available for the last two T20Is against New Zealand and the World Cup. The same applies to Washington Sundar, as India is not looking at alternatives so close to the World Cup after doing well in the last two years," Chopra noted.

Uthappa suggested struggling India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav to stop playing musical chairs with his batting order in the lead-up to T20 World Cup

“Surya shouldn’t shuffle his batting order too much. Constant movement across positions has resulted in a shortage of runs. Stability will help," he remarked.

(With inputs from Agencies)