Nitish Kumar Reddy talks about playing with Virat Kohli

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey on this tour has been incredible. At just 21 years old, the all-rounder came into the series as an underdog, with just 21 first-class matches to his name. Most of his notable performances were in T20 cricket. But when the pressure of Test cricket was at its peak, Reddy rose to the occasion and smashed a brilliant century at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Reddy silenced all his skeptics in style. “I know some people doubted me,” he said. “They thought a young man like me, with IPL experience but not much else, couldn’t perform in such an important series. I just want to prove them wrong and show that I am here to give 100% for the Indian team.”

A moment to remember

On the third day, with more than 80,000 fans roaring in the stands, Reddy etched his name in history. Off Australia’s Scott Boland, he played a confident drive for four to score his first Test century. His teammates erupted in applause, but Reddy stood his ground and credited his teammate No.11 Mohammed Siraj for his role in the milestone.

“The crowd went crazy when Siraj defended the last three balls of Cummins’ over,” Reddy recounted, laughing. “I think that moment was even louder than my century celebration! But I have to thank you. Without his courage, I could not have reached one hundred.”

Reddy also revealed how surreal it felt to share the field with his idol, Virat Kohli. “Watching Virat since I was little and making him my inspiration; It’s a dream to play alongside him. When he scored a century in Perth, I was on the non-striker’s side, feeling very proud. For him to come and say, ‘You played great and got the team back in the game,’ is a moment I will cherish forever.”

Strategic brilliance and personal growth

Nitish Kumar Reddy is one of the few Indian batsmen who has been able to take on Scott Boland well. He has been constantly attacking him to disrupt his rhythm. “Boland’s consistency is his strong point,” explained Reddy. “So, I tried to move forward to adapt to their line and length. It worked for me.”

However, Reddy remains critical of his bowling efforts. With just three wickets in four Tests at an average of 49, he acknowledges there is room for improvement. “My goal was to be a complete all-rounder. Right now I’m not happy with my bowling. “I know I need to work harder to play that role on the team.”

The journey behind glory

Reddy’s meteoric rise is not an overnight success. After his first season in the IPL, he identified gaps in his game and took advantage of every available moment to hone his skills. “The work I have put in over the last two or three years is paying off now. These were not short-term solutions; it was about a long-term improvement,” he shared.

He believes that fitness is the backbone of his success as an all-rounder. “I have constantly worked hard and it has paid off. This tour has been an incredible experience, but I am determined to continue growing and contributing more.”

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