New Zealand vs India: Nitish Kumar Reddy has endured multiple injury setbacks early in his career but is learning to manage the demands of being an all-rounder. The India youngster also spoke about improving his bowling through experience and regular game time.Nitish Reddy delivered with both ball and bat on Saturday in Christchurch (AP Photo) Nitish Kumar Reddy had a smile on his face for most of his interaction with the press on Saturday, after playing a key role in India's thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand.

He even fumbled while trying to say 'I am in different situations', instead coming up with 'in different situationships'. Realising his mistake, he paused and broke into a wry smile.

SCORECARD | HIGHLIGHTSBut when a question about his fitness and workload management came up, Nitish pushed back, urging people to understand the demands of being an all-rounder in modern-day cricket.The 23-year-old, one of the few players in India's current set-up who is expected to feature across formats, acknowledged that he was still learning how to manage his workload while keeping himself ready for games that are coming thick and fast."I just want to tell you guys: it's just part and parcel of the game. I am getting to understand and you guys also should understand that I am an all-rounder, so I have to do both batting and bowling," he told the press after the 2nd T20I in Christchurch. "Even in practice sessions, I have to do my workloads.

I have more work to do than anyone on the field and off the field. It's just something I am working on.

Nobody likes to get injured. I am happy that I am playing for the Indian team.

I am taking in one day at a time. If I turn up and play a game the next day for my team, that would be a great sign, no matter where I play.

I hope I don't get injured, but I am still in the process."Nitish's concerns come against the backdrop of a series of fitness setbacks early in his international career. He missed India's 2024 tour of Zimbabwe after suffering a sports hernia.

In January 2025, a side strain ruled him out of a T20I series against England. He suffered another setback in July that year, injuring his left knee during a gym session ahead of the fourth Test against England at Lord's, which forced him out of the remaining two Tests.

In October 2025, he sustained a left quadriceps injury while fielding in an ODI series against Australia. Neck spasms subsequently delayed his return to the T20I side.

The quadriceps problem resurfaced in June 2026 during an ODI series against Afghanistan, with an MRI revealing swelling and fibre disruption. He was ruled out of the subsequent T20I tours of Ireland and England to undergo rehabilitation.The recurring injuries have interrupted his progress, particularly his efforts to develop as a seam-bowling all-rounder.Nitish, however, appears to be enjoying the current phase, focusing on improving his game with both bat and ball.

The young all-rounder has played seven T20Is and two ODIs in the last 45 days.IMPROVEMENT IN BOWLINGAsked about his improvement as a bowler, Nitish said he was learning to handle different situations as he gained more experience."I am bowling in different situations. It's just about experience.

It's just about bowling more and getting more experience. When the right time comes, I am able to deliver.

That's what is happening now."Against New Zealand, he returned figures of one for 31 from three overs before making a crucial contribution with the bat. Walking in at No.

8, he joined Tilak Varma with India struggling at 112 for six in the 15th over, chasing 181.Nitish struck a six and a four in his 13-ball 26, while running hard between the wickets during an unbeaten 69-run partnership with Tilak. The stand helped India complete the chase and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.Putting in the extra workNitish was among the few Indian players who turned up for optional training on the eve of the match, keen to get more time in the middle and adjust to conditions in New Zealand."We had only one practice session.

We just had little info about the pitch. After playing the first game, I thought I should get more practice.

That's why I came for the optional training session. Compared to India, the wicket is different over here.

The bounce is good."Having taken a 2-0 lead, India will next face New Zealand in the third T20I in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27.- Ends