Nitish Kumar Reddy, a 21-year-old all-rounder for Team India, has recounted his heartfelt journey from a young cricket fan aspiring to play alongside Virat Kohli to make his Test debut for India last month in Perth. Reddy, who grew up idolizing Kohli, often found himself calculating his age, wishing to have the opportunity to play with the Indian cricket icon before Kohli's retirement.

His dream materialized when Kohli presented him with his first Test cap prior to the inaugural Test against Australia, which India won by 295 runs, thereby taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Notably, after his debut, a photograph circulated widely showing Reddy taking a selfie with Kohli, who was seated a short distance away and not looking at the camera; Reddy referred to it as his “safety photo.”

"This was a safety photo, considering how famous he (Virat Kohli) is. I thought if I didn’t get another chance for a photo, I should capture this moment. It serves as a reminder of my childhood aspirations. Since my youth, I have been a tremendous admirer of Virat Bhaiya. I watched every match he played and was particularly fond of his celebrations. During that time, I would calculate my age to see if he would still be playing when I made my debut for India," Reddy shared with BCCI.

During the Test in Perth, Reddy found himself more attentive to Kohli’s performance than his own. “While playing alongside him, I was focused on his score as he approached ten runs, then five runs, thinking about how close he was to his hundred. I didn’t even realize I was nearing my own fifty—just twelve runs away from achieving my first fifty in Tests. I was incredibly excited when he reached his 81st hundred; it was a remarkable moment to witness,” Reddy remarked.

KL Rahul's advice

Reddy shared his experience of acclimating to the Indian team environment, expressing that he initially felt apprehensive about engaging with senior players. 

It was KL Rahul who played a pivotal role in helping him feel at ease. “I was somewhat anxious at the beginning regarding how to communicate with the players. Therefore, whenever I encountered any issues, I would approach KL bhai. I always sense positive energy from him, and his suggestions resonate well with me,” Reddy articulated.

One particular piece of advice from Rahul resonated deeply with Reddy. "He once advised me, 'Macha, when you step onto the field, everything moves at a rapid pace. Don't rush; instead, take your time and slow down the game.' This was particularly relevant during my first match, where everything unfolded in mere seconds, and it truly assisted me as I prepared to bat in my debut," Reddy remarked, commending Rahul for his guidance.

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