Nitish Kumar Reddy, the promising Indian all-rounder, has been ruled out of the first three T20Is against Australia due to a neck spasm. This unfortunate development further complicates his recovery from a left quadriceps injury sustained earlier in the tour. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news, stating that the neck spasms have impacted his recovery and mobility.

Reddy initially picked up the quadriceps injury while fielding during the second ODI in Adelaide on October 23, 2025. He appeared to pull up while diving near the long-on boundary, showing visible discomfort before leaving the field. Initial assessments suggested a minor tear in his left thigh, which forced him to miss the third and final ODI in Sydney.

While the medical team was closely monitoring his progress and recovery from the quadriceps injury, the unexpected neck spasms have now set him back. The BCCI medical team continues to monitor his condition and recovery timeline. It is expected that he might take a week or so to regain full fitness.

The setback is a significant blow for the Indian team, as Reddy was expected to play a key role as a pace all-rounder in the T20I series. In his absence, Shivam Dube is now likely to fill that role. At the toss for the first T20I, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Nitish Kumar Reddy would not be part of the playing XI. Yadav also noted the team had a "good headache" regarding selection choices, with players like Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma and Arshdeep Singh also missing out on the first T20I. Harshit Rana has been drafted into the side in place of Reddy.

This injury also represents a personal setback for Reddy, who would have been eager to solidify his place in the T20 squad, especially with the World Cup approaching. The 22-year-old will now focus on his rehabilitation and aim to return to full fitness as soon as possible.