Nitish Kumar Reddy in action for India (AFP)
Nitish showcased his all-round excellence, scoring a blistering 74 runs on 34 balls, and registering 2/23 in 4 overs with the ball for India in their dominant 86-run win
There’s nothing better than donning the India Blue and going out to play your heart out. Nitish Kumar Reddy attested to the very same, as the youngster grabbed the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance in India’s win over Bangladesh in Delhi on Wednesday.
After being cruelly denied the opportunity of a lifetime due to injury, Nitish Kumar Reddy has shown the cricketing world a classic tale of rebounding as the young all-rounder made his mark for India with the bat and the ball.
After India fell to 25-2 in 3 overs, Nitish Reddy would take the crease, to put on a show for all to see.
With the bat, Nitish would go on to light up the skies with confidence, putting up a fiery 74 runs in just 34 balls, an innings peppered with 4 fours and 7 sixes.
He would also go on to dazzle with the ball, registering a spell of 2/23 in 4 overs, as he scalped the ever-important wicket of Mahmudullaht to kill the visitors’ spirits in their chase.
“It feels great to represent India, I feel so proud about this moment. I am grateful for everything. I should give credit to captain and coach. They gave me the licence to play fearless cricket,” stated Nitish at the post-match interview after receiving his POTM award.
“I took my time initially, but after that no-ball everything went in my favour. It feels great to play for the Indian team. I want to continue in this same way, and I want to keep repeat such good performances.”
Nitish Reddy announced his arrival with a blistering half-century while Rinku Singh solidified his reputation of a troubleshooter with a brilliant fifty to propel India to a big total of 221/9 in the first innings.
The Indian bowlers then took center stage with a combined show with saw India use as many as seven different options with each tasting success to limit Bangladesh to 135/9 in 20 overs and seal an 86-run win.
India thus took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with their biggest ever win in the format over Bangladesh by run-margin.
