Perth Test: Nitish Reddy relishes 'dream' Virat Kohli moment after ...

Nitish Kumar Reddy cherished a dream debut as Virat Kohli handed him his maiden Test cap. The 21-year-old shone amidst India's batting struggles, scoring a crucial 41 and showcasing promise on Day 1 of the Perth Test.

Virat Kohli handing debut cap to Nitish Kumar Reddy. (ScreenGrab: FoxCricket)

India’s rising all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, lived a childhood dream on November 22 when his cricketing idol, Virat Kohli, handed him his maiden Test cap during the series opener against Australia in Perth. The 21-year-old debutant seized the moment, delivering a pivotal performance amidst India’s batting collapse on Day 1 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Nitish’s Test debut marked another milestone in his remarkable 2024 season, coming just weeks after his impactful T20I debut during the Bangladesh series at home. Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Andhra Pradesh cricketer described receiving his Test cap from Kohli as a surreal and unforgettable moment.

AUS vs IND, Perth Test Day 1: Highlights

"It was a great feeling. I always dreamed about playing good for Indian cricket, and it was such a fantastic moment and so was it to receive the cap from Virat bhai. He has been my idol since when I strated playing cricket. So getting capped from him also was a happy moment for me and I wanted to continue this," Nitish said.

India’s batting lineup struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Star players, including Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and an unlucky KL Rahul, failed to establish significant partnerships. However, Nitish stood tall amidst the ruins, contributing a composed 41 runs. Alongside Rishabh Pant’s gritty 37, Nitish ensured India reached a fighting total of 150 before succumbing to Josh Hazlewood’s devastating 4/29 spell.

Nitish shared insights into his preparation for the match, crediting his India A stint in two unofficial Tests against Australia A as crucial for understanding Australian conditions. He also revealed that he and fellow debutant Harshit Rana celebrated their selection with a quiet dinner, opting for a composed mindset ahead of the big game.

"We got to know just one day before. We were excited and obviously nervous as well. We just had dinner, and we wanted to keep ourselves the way we were last week (during the unofficial Tests) and wanted to continue that and not take too much pressure on. We had a cycle ride as well last evening and it was good....It was a good start. Not exactly a dream innings, but a good star," Nitish added.

India’s bowlers rose to the occasion after the batting unit faltered. Skipper Jasprit Bumrah led from the front with a sensational 4/17 spell, ably supported by Mohammed Siraj (2/17) and debutant Harshit Rana (1/33). Their collective effort rattled Australia’s top order, leaving them at 67/7 by stumps.

Nitish’s debut showcased not only his batting resilience but also his calm demeanor under pressure. His contribution, coupled with India’s fiery bowling display, kept the visitors firmly in the contest. As India looks to build on their momentum, Nitish’s promising start offers a glimpse of a bright future, while his journey from receiving Kohli’s cap to stabilizing India’s innings will remain a defining chapter of his young career.