For years, Team India has dreamed of finding a fast-bowling all-rounder who could make an impact like the legendary Kapil Dev. After Hardik Pandya stepped into that role years later, it now seems India has discovered another rising star in Nitish Kumar Reddy. The young all-rounder first grabbed attention during IPL 2024 with his fearless performances for SunRisers Hyderabad. Just seven months later, Nitish became one of India’s key performers in Tests, showing his potential to shine across all formats.
Nitish made his India debut in the T20Is on October 6 against Bangladesh. In only his second match, he stole the show with a quick-fire 74 off 34 balls and two vital wickets. It was a performance that had everyone talking about his abilities with both bat and ball. Later that month, his impressive white-ball form earned him a Test call-up, raising expectations of what he could achieve with the red ball.
The stage was set for Nitish in Perth, and his first Test innings came in a tough situation. India was struggling at 73/6 when the 21-year-old walked out to bat. There was no hesitation or nerves-Nitish looked solid, playing with confidence and focus. Partnering with Rishabh Pant, he top-scored for India with a gritty 41 off 59 balls. His effort stood out in a disappointing team total of 150.
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Top-scorer in 3 out of 4 innings for India
Nitish showed another side of his batting in the second innings, staying unbeaten on 38 off 27 balls as India declared at 487/6. He batted with flair and aggression, helping India set a massive target. With the ball, he picked up his first Test wicket, dismissing Mitchell Marsh, and contributed to India’s dominant win by 295 runs.
While Nitish has already made his mark as a batter, his bowling is still evolving. However, the early signs are encouraging, and his ability to contribute to all aspects of the game makes him a valuable prospect for the future.
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Nitish has never shied away from expressing his admiration for Virat Kohli. Watching him bat, it’s clear he has drawn inspiration from the star Indian batter. His shot selection in Adelaide was a testament to that, showcasing strokes that were as elegant as they were effective. While his defensive technique remains relatively untested, Nitish has shown a remarkable ability to counterattack and keep the scoreboard ticking. The cover drives he played in Adelaide could easily be described as a work of art, worthy of being framed.
In just four innings, Nitish has already made a habit of stepping up when India needs him the most. Whether it’s his audacious strokes, unconventional hits, or classic drives, everything about his batting oozes class and confidence. During the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, Nitish once again proved why he is being touted as a future star.
The pink ball under the lights, combined with Australia’s fierce bowling attack, posed a significant challenge. But the 21-year-old held his ground with maturity beyond his years. In the first innings, he fought hard for a 54-ball 42, emerging as India’s top scorer in an otherwise dismal total of 180.
Nitish didn’t stop there. In the second innings, when the team looked for resilience, he delivered once again, top-scoring with 42 runs off 47 balls. His approach was fearless, and he played each ball on merit, by mixing caution with aggression.
Early in his career, Nitish has already displayed traits of a dependable batter who thrives under pressure. His ability to adapt to challenging conditions and counter some of the best bowlers in the world is a rare quality.
Nitish’s journey is just beginning, but his fearless approach, versatility, and maturity have drawn comparisons to India’s greatest all-rounders. With time on his side, he could become a key player for the team, bringing balance and match-winning performances across formats.
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