Ahead of the first ODI between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, October 19, the Gautam Gambhir-led team management came up with a fantastic gesture as they gave former skipper Rohit Sharma the responsibility to hand Nitish Kumar Reddy his maiden cap in the format. Last year in November, the Andhra cricketer received his maiden Test cap from another former India captain, Virat Kohli.
Nitish will savour the two moments fondly, as not too many cricketers have the privilege
of receiving their maiden international caps from legends like Rohit and Kohli. While handing Nitish the cap, Rohit predicted a bright future for the Sunrisers Hyderabad star. The 38-year-old told the Visakhapatnam-born that he will become an all-format great for India, lauding him for his attitude.
“Cap number 260, Nitish Reddy, welcome to the club. You had a great start to your career, and it's only because of how you want to play the game and your attitude. I'm 110% sure that with that attitude, you're going to go a long way in this Indian team. You're going to be an all-format great, which I believe thoroughly," said Rohit in a video released by the BCCI.
"Because, like you said in your speech yesterday, you want to be everywhere, and that is where we all want you to be, doing that. So good luck. I'm sure, 110% sure that the team will rally around you. Anything you need, anytime you need anything, everyone will be there to support you and good luck. Good Luck, have a great career,” he added.
Nitish had a decent outing with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 19 off 11 balls. However, he didn't have the best of starts in the 50-over format with the ball, conceding 16 runs in 2.1 overs.
India lost the match by seven wickets (DLS method) to go 0-1 down in the series. The encounter was curtailed due to rain. The second ODI in the three-match series will be held at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23.
