Rohit Sharma praised India ODI debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, calling him an “all-format great” with a bright future. Nitish impressed with two towering sixes, scoring 19* in a rain-affected 26-over match, but India fell short as Australia won by seven wickets under DLS.
Rohit Sharma’s Emotional Cap Presentation
On October 20, Rohit Sharma warmly welcomed Nitish Kumar Reddy to India’s ODI squad. Moreover, he personally handed him cap number 260. Consequently, the moment turned emotional and inspiring for fans and teammates alike.
A Confident Endorsement from a Legend
“You are going to be an all-format great, which I believe,” Rohit declared confidently. Furthermore, he praised Reddy’s fearless attitude and versatile playing style. Indeed, such words from a former captain carry immense weight in cricketing circles.
Reddy’s Journey to the National Stage
Notably, the 22-year-old all-rounder first debuted in Tests last year at the same Perth venue. Since then, his consistent domestic performances earned him an ODI call-up. Therefore, his selection reflects both merit and potential.
Challenging Debut Amid Rain Chaos
Unfortunately, Reddy’s ODI debut faced tough conditions. Due to persistent rain, the match shrank to just 26 overs per side. As a result, India posted only 136 for 9 in their reduced innings.
Australia Seals Comfortable Victory
Despite India’s efforts, Australia chased the DLS-adjusted target of 131 with ease. Ultimately, they won by seven wickets and now lead the three-match series 1–0. Nevertheless, individual performances will be reviewed for future improvements.
Team Support and Future Expectations
Rohit emphasized that everyone in the squad stands behind Reddy. “You want to be everywhere—and that’s where we all want you to be,” he added. Thus, the veteran’s backing could boost the youngster’s confidence significantly.
A Symbol of India’s Next-Gen Talent
In fact, Nitish Reddy represents the new wave of Indian cricketers—agile, adaptable, and ambitious. Hence, his inclusion signals India’s focus on nurturing multi-format stars early.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Although the debut result disappointed, the journey has just begun. With Rohit’s mentorship and team support, Reddy’s growth seems promising. Undoubtedly, cricket fans will watch his progress closely in upcoming matches.