17 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI and team management to take a patient approach with young all-rounders Venkatesh Iyer and Suryansh Shedge, saying the promising players should be given time to develop rather than being rushed into the national team.
Gavaskar’s comments came while discussing Nitish Kumar Reddy’s development as a fast-bowling all-rounder following his impressive performance against Afghanistan.
Gavaskar Names Two Promising All-Rounders
While praising Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gavaskar identified Venkatesh Iyer and Suryansh Shedge as two players India could potentially rely on in the future.
He stressed that both need opportunities to develop their all-round skills and should not be pushed into international cricket before they are ready.
“Don’t Rush Them In”
Gavaskar’s central message was that the young players should be nurtured patiently.
He said they should be given the opportunity to develop and should also be encouraged when they have a poor performance rather than being judged too quickly.
The former India opener also suggested that both players should take their bowling seriously because they are primarily viewed as batters.
Nitish Reddy Provides the Example
Gavaskar’s comments came after Nitish Kumar Reddy produced a strong bowling performance in India’s second T20I against Afghanistan.
After conceding 30 runs in two overs in the first game, Reddy responded with 3/24 in three overs in the second T20I and was named Player of the Match.
Gavaskar pointed to the turnaround as an example of how young players can learn from difficult performances when they receive the right support.
Developing India’s Fast-Bowling All-Rounders
The search for quality fast-bowling all-rounders has been an important issue for India, particularly given Hardik Pandya’s recurring injury problems.
Gavaskar believes nurturing players such as Reddy, Iyer and Shedge could give India additional options in the future.
He also stressed that players who are primarily batsmen can become more valuable if they develop the mindset and skills of bowlers as well.
Iyer and Shedge Need Time
Gavaskar’s comments do not amount to a call for the two players to be kept out of international cricket indefinitely.
Instead, his emphasis was on development, preparation and allowing young all-rounders to build their skills before being exposed to the demands of top-level international cricket.
Nitish Reddy’s Comeback
Reddy’s recent performances have added relevance to Gavaskar’s argument.
The 23-year-old had missed significant playing time because of injuries, including a quadriceps injury that ruled him out of several T20I assignments.
His return to form with the ball against Afghanistan showed the value of patience and continued development.
BCCI Also Reviewing Player Workload
The wider issue of player development comes amid growing discussion within the BCCI about India’s crowded cricket calendar.
The board has acknowledged concerns over injuries and workload and has discussed providing players with more rest and preparation time in future schedules.
A Long-Term Approach
Gavaskar’s message is ultimately about building India’s next generation of multi-skilled cricketers.
Rather than immediately placing expectations on young players, he wants them to receive opportunities, encouragement and enough time to improve both their batting and bowling.