England is touring India for a 5-match T20 series and a 3-match ODI series. The first match of the ongoing T20 series was held in Kolkata, where India won by 7 wickets. Abhishek Sharma was the standout performer, scoring 79 runs off 34 balls as India chased down the target of 133 in just 12.5 overs. In bowling, Varun Chakraborty impressed with 3 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs. With India leading the series 1-0, England will look to level the series to 1-1 in the upcoming 2nd match, which will be held in Chennai.

Before the 2nd T20 match in Chennai, India faced a big blow as Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out for the rest of the series due to a side strain injury.He got this injury during the training session in Chennai. He will be sent to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for treatment, as reported by the BCCI in an official statement.

Injury forces Nitish Kumar Reddy out of the action wishing him a quick comeback! pic.twitter.com/nZXHKDCqzt

— SunRisers OrangeArmy Official (@srhfansofficial) January 25, 2025

Also Read: Under Pressure, Shubman Gill Shines with a Century for Punjab Against Karnataka

Nitish Kumar Reddy didn't bat or bowl in the first T20 in Kolkata, but he made two crucial contributions in the field. He took two important catches, with one being particularly special. While fielding at square leg, Reddy took a stunning diving catch off Varun Chakraborty's bowling to dismiss Jos Buttler, who was the only standout batsman for England in that match, scoring 68 runs. This catch was a turning point in the game.

Shivam Dube will replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in the squad for the 5-match T20 series after Reddy was ruled out for 4 weeks due to injury. Dube will join the team from the 3rd T20 in Rajkot.

Rinku Singh also got injured, suffering from a low back spasm while fielding in the 1st T20I against England on 22nd January. According to the BCCI medical report, he is recovering well, and the medical team is keeping a close eye on him. He will be ruled out for the 2nd and 3rd games of the ongoing 5-match T20I series.