Young Team India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy recently opened up about his dream of playing cricket alongside his idol, Virat Kohli. His journey from being a devoted fan to sharing the dressing room with the cricket legend is a heartwarming tale of determination and destiny. Reddy, who made his Test debut against Australia in Perth, revealed how he had always admired Kohli, idolizing his iconic celebrations and unmatched passion for the game.
“From childhood, I was a huge fan of Virat bhaiya. I used to watch every match of his, hoping he’d score a century. At that time, I would calculate my age to ensure he wouldn’t retire before I got a chance to play alongside him,” Nitish Reddy shared in a video on bcci.tv.
The young cricketer recalled a cherished childhood memory of taking a selfie with Kohli at a BCCI awards function, calling it a “safety photo” to ensure he captured a moment with his idol. Years later, receiving his Test cap from Kohli felt like a full-circle moment for Reddy. He impressed on debut, scoring 79 runs across both innings and taking a wicket, but what stood out most for him was witnessing Kohli score his 81st international century.
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“I didn’t even realize I was close to my fifty because I was so focused on him getting his hundred,” Nitish Reddy admitted, describing Kohli’s unbeaten 100 as an unforgettable moment in his cricketing journey.
The 21-year-old also credited KL Rahul for helping him transition smoothly into the senior team. Initially nervous about interacting with experienced players, Reddy shared that Rahul’s encouraging demeanor made all the difference. “KL bhai always gives good vibes. Whatever suggestions he gives, they just work for me,” he said.
In the Perth Test, Kohli’s century helped India set a daunting 534-run target for Australia. Reddy’s attacking 38 off 27 balls, featuring three boundaries and two sixes, underscored his potential as an impactful all-rounder.
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Nitish Kumar Reddy’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the influence of iconic players like Virat Kohli in inspiring the next generation of cricketers. His journey reflects the beauty of cricket as a sport that binds aspirations and reality in the most remarkable ways.
