New Delhi: Nitish Kumar Reddy made a mark on his Test debut in India’s 295-run win in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia in Perth.
The all-rounder made 41 and an unbeaten 38 off 27 balls in India’s two innings, apart from dismissing Mitchell Marsh for his maiden Test wicket as India recorded their biggest margin in Australia.
The 21-year-old came into the national team reckoning after being adjudged the 2024 Indian Premier League’s emerging player of the year with 303 runs and three wickets in 13 matches.
It earned him his maiden cap in T20I against Bangladesh and gain entry into the squad to Australia. Reddy disclosed his family’s sacrifices in making him a top-level cricketer.
“To be honest, I was not serious when I was young. My father left his job for me and there has been a lot of sacrifice behind my story,” Nitish told in a video posted on the BCCI‘s social media handles.
“One day, I saw him crying because of financial problems we were facing and I was like this is not how you can be that my father made the sacrifices and you play cricket just for fun. At that time, I became serious and I got the growth, I worked hard and it paid off.”
“As a son from a middle-class family, I am so proud that my father is happy now. I gave my first jersey to him and saw happiness in his face and I feel very proud.”
Impressive red-ball debut
On being included in the Indian playing XI for the Perth game, Reddy was handed his Test cap. His 41 on his maiden knock made him the team’s top scorer as they were bowled out for 150.
Similarly his breezy unbeaten knock in the second innings helped India increase their lead quickly and then cleaned up Marsh for his first wicket in Test cricket.
𝙐𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙜𝙚𝙢 ✨
Tracing Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inspiring journey!
Full interview coming up at 8 PM on https://t.co/Z3MPyeKtDz
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— BCCI (@BCCI) December 5, 2024
Reddy carried forward his form in India’s warm-up game against the Prime Minister’s XI ahead of the day-night Test the begins in Adelaide on Thursday. He made 42 off 32 balls, anchoring India’s successful run chase of 241 in a rain-affected 46-overs-a-side game.
He will now look to make an impact in the pink ball Test too as India look to build their lead in the series.
All-rounder Nitish Reddy 41 and an unbeaten 38 in two innings, apart from picking up a wicket on his Test debut as India beat Australia by 295 runs in the first match at Perth Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
