Nitish Reddy opens up on dream debut with Virat Kohli, says I calculated my age to ensure I could play with him

Nitish Reddy, India’s promising all-rounder, recently shared his inspiring journey from a young cricket enthusiast idolizing Virat Kohli to making his Test debut alongside the cricket legend. In a video shared by the BCCI, Reddy opened up about his childhood dreams, personal sacrifices, and the emotions surrounding his maiden Test appearance.

Reddy’s dream came true during India’s Test victory in Perth, where the team India defeated Australia by 295 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Receiving his maiden Test cap from Kohli, the 21-year-old described the surreal moment and the admiration he has held for Kohli since childhood. “From childhood, I was a huge fan of Virat bhaiya. I used to watch every match of his and loved his celebrations. Back then, I would calculate my age to ensure I had enough time to play with him before he retired,” Reddy revealed.

During the match, Reddy was so engrossed in Kohli’s performance that he momentarily forgot his own milestone. “I was watching him approach his hundred and didn’t even realize I was close to my first fifty. When he got his 81st hundred, it was an incredible moment,” he said.

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Reddy’s journey to the national team was fueled by the sacrifices made by his father, who left his job to support his son’s cricketing aspirations. “My father sacrificed so much for me. There was a time when I saw him crying due to financial problems, and it made me realize I had to take cricket seriously. That moment changed everything for me,” Reddy shared, adding that his hard work paid off within a year.

Reflecting on his family’s pride, Reddy said, “As a middle-class family, we faced many challenges. Giving my first jersey to my father and seeing his happiness was a proud moment for me.”

Adjusting to the Indian team environment was initially daunting for the young cricketer, but the guidance of teammates like KL Rahul made a significant difference. “I was nervous at first, but KL bhai gave me advice that helped a lot. He told me to slow the game down when things feel too fast, which was crucial during my debut match,” Reddy explained.

Known for his meticulous preparation, Reddy highlighted the importance of shadow practice in his routine. “I visualize bowlers and plan my shots during shadow practice. It feels like I’ve already faced them when I step onto the field,” he said.

In his debut Test, Reddy impressed with his all-round performance, scoring 41 and an unbeaten 38 in the two innings, along with taking a wicket. His efforts earned praise from captain Rohit Sharma and others. Speaking about his role in the team, Reddy stated, “I want to contribute in all three dimensions and help the team in any way they need.”