New Delhi, Jan. 19 -- Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Nitish Kumar Reddy should've played the New Zealand ODI series from the start and can be a good backup to Hardik Pandya.

Pathan praised Reddy's performance in the third ODI against New Zealand, saying he showed potential with a fifty and big shots. Reddy's bowling speed (135 kmph) and partnerships impressed Pathan, suggesting India should persist with him to develop a good all-rounder.

Reddy had a decent outing in the third and final against New Zealand in Indore on Sunday, with the bat he slammed 53 in 57 balls, with two fours and two sixes and stitched an important partnership with Virat Kohli of 88 runs, however, his efforts went in vain as Kiwi's defeated India by...