Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy's emergence as a viable fast-bowling all-rounder backup for Hardik Pandya.

Reddy played a critical role in guiding India to a thrilling four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the second T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Saturday (October 24).

Chasing a target of 181, the Men in Blue were in deep trouble at 112/6 in the 15th over after a destructive middle-order spell by Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner (4/21).

Reddy joined forces with Tilak Varma to forge an unbroken 69-run partnership for the seventh wicket off just 30 deliveries. He played a highly effective cameo, scoring an unbeaten 26 runs off 13 balls, which included a four and a six.

Earlier in the match, Reddy claimed the prized scalp of Bevon Jacobs, returning with the bowling figures of 1 for 31 in his three overs.

With Hardik battling severe injuries lately, Karthik believes Reddy's impressive outings after coming back from injury will be a massive relief for India’s white-ball captains.

"With every passing game, you are finding a very able backup for Hardik Pandya. Going toe-to-toe, bowling in crucial overs, he is able to bowl in the death. With the bat, he is getting the job done; India is searching for an all-rounder in white-ball cricket. For a long time, they have tried Shivam Dube, and he has done quite well, but he has not bowled as well as India would have liked. In Nitish Kumar Reddy, they have unearthed a person who can hit as close to Hardik Pandya. That will be a huge sigh of relief as a captain," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's will look to build on his explosive finish as India face New Zealand in the third T20I on Tuesday (October 27) in Wellington. The visitors are leading the five-match series 2-0 after the latest win.