Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Nitish Kumar Reddy to continue in India's playing XI for the fourth T20I against West Indies on October 14, 2026. The all-rounder has featured in all three matches of the series so far, which India leads 2-1 after winning the third T20I by 14 runs on October 11. Reddy's performances have been modest, with 30 runs across the three games and 2 wickets with the ball.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Pujara expressed his support for the all-rounder despite the limited returns. He believes Reddy has done a good job and warrants another opportunity in the upcoming match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
"Nitish Kumar Reddy, I think he did a good job. So, I would want to see him get one more chance," Pujara said in the above mentioned source.
In his predicted XI for the fourth T20I, Pujara has retained the top order and slotted Reddy at number 6. The former India batter backed the opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, with Ishan Kishan at number 3, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer at number 4 and Tilak Varma at number 5.
"I wouldn't want many changes in the top order. So Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma would open, Ishan Kishan would be at No. 3, Shreyas Iyer at No. 4, and Tilak Varma at No. 5," Pujara said.
The middle and lower order in Pujara's XI includes Naman Dhir at number 7 and Axar Patel at number 8. Among the fast bowlers, Arshdeep Singh would bat at number 9, with Mayank Yadav also earning a place in the lineup. Pujara highlighted that Yadav has been bowling well and should be included in the squad.
"Axar Patel at No. 8. Among the fast bowlers, Arshdeep Singh at No. 9," Pujara said.
"Mayank Yadav is bowling well. So he should also be played. The question for the Indian team in Hyderabad would be how the pitch is," he added.
The pitch conditions at Hyderabad will determine India's final selection, according to Pujara. The choice between Prince Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav for the number 11 spot will depend on whether the surface offers assistance to spinners or pace bowlers. If the pitch provides help for spinners, Kuldeep could return to the side. If conditions resemble the Indore pitch with slight assistance for fast bowlers, India may retain the same playing XI from the previous match.
"Based on that, either you will go with Prince Yadav or Kuldeep Yadav. That's the only change I see. They will have to pick between the two. If there is more help for the spinners, you might want to bring back someone like Kuldeep. If the wicket is like Indore, with slight help for the fast bowlers, you will continue with the same playing XI," Pujara said.
India playing XI picked by Cheteshwar Pujara for the fourth T20I:
Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav/Kuldeep Yadav.
