Nitish Kumar Reddy had an unforgettable year in 2024. He kicked things off by making his IPL debut with the Sunrisers Hyderabad and soon found himself in the Indian T20I squad. The highlight of his year was earning his Test cap during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at just 21 years old. He made his coach, Gautam Gambhir, proud by scoring his first Test century in that series. Another standout moment for Nitish during the Australia tour was getting to share the dressing room with his idol, Virat Kohli.

Growing up, Nitish looked up to Kohli, so batting alongside him in Perth while Kohli notched up a century in the second innings was a dream come true.

Even with that special connection, Nitish confessed that being in the same dressing room as the 36-year-old still leaves him starstruck. In a chat with Puma, the brand that represents both players, he shared his feelings about the experience.

“I always get nervous around him, you know? Even now, if he walks in front of me, I feel that same nervousness, and I can’t explain why. I’ve never felt this way with any other player,” said Nitish, who received his Test cap from Kohli himself during his debut in Perth.

Nitish made quite an impression with some outstanding performances in Australia, including a century at the legendary MCG. “Even when I hit my hundred, I felt that nervousness when he came up to congratulate me.”

Nitish reflects on a memorable moment with Kohli: "I can still recall..."

Thinking back to when he received his Test cap from Kohli, Nitish shared, “I still remember cap number 315 for Nitish Reddy. That number is etched in my mind.”

The Andhra all-rounder also reminisced about a time when he was still honing his skills. He took a chance to snap a quick selfie with Kohli at an awards event a few years back.

“I wanted a nice photo with him, but I didn’t have my own phone. I borrowed my uncle’s phone, took it out, and snapped a selfie without him noticing,” Nitish revealed, sharing the story behind that now-iconic picture.

Although the series didn’t go well for India, ending in a 3-1 defeat in Australia, Nitish shone with the bat, making a strong impression on his Test debut in tough conditions.

Now, all eyes are on the IPL, where he played a key role in leading SRH to the finals in 2024. He’s eager to help them go further this time, having been retained for the IPL 2025 season. SRH kicks off their campaign with a home game against RR on Sunday.

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