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Nitish Kumar Reddy has once again responded when India needed him the most. The all-rounder struck his maiden ODI half-century in the India vs New Zealand series decider at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday. The 22-year-old has been under severe criticism for his lack of performances, but shut his detractors with a fine show against the Kiwis.

Nitish Kumar Reddy chose the perfect time to make a claim for more opportunities in the Indian set up. The 22-year-old slammed his maiden ODI half-century in the IND vs NZ series decider on Sunday. With India tottering at 71/4, Reddy stitched a vital partnership with former captain Virat Kohli to keep India in the hunt for a

The Andhra star was circumspect initially with the New Zealand bowling attack on top. However, Reddy grew into the game and started playing strokes. Once settled in, Nitish displayed his aggressive intent, clearing the boundary with a couple of maximums.

He reached his half-century in 52 balls, his first ever in ODI cricket. Reddy celebrated the milestone in fine style, bringing out the 'Pushpa' celebration, much to the jubilation of the Indore crowd.

The 22-year-old has been under severe criticism for his lack of performances, but shut his detractors with a fine show against the Kiwis. Reddy was not picked for the first game and only came into the side after the injury to Washington Sundar.

India, under Gautam Gambhir management have viewed Nitish Reddy as a long term prospect, hoping to build him as a pace bowling all-rounder. However, Nitish has been under-utilised at best in the games he has played with no clear role for him.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate levelled some criticism at the Andhra star before the IND vs NZ final ODI. Speaking ahead of the series decider, the former KKR all-rounder suggested that Reddy was still to show up on his promise and deliver in the chances he gets.

"With Nitish, we keep talking about developing him and getting him game time and then when you do get him game time, he often ends up not doing a heck of a lot in the games," ten Doeschate told reporters after the match.

Nitish seems to have responded to those comments, slamming his maiden half-century in a crunch situation. The 22-year-old will be disappointed at the timing of his dismissal in Indore but has done enough to show his promise and potential to the team management.