Perth has become Nitish Kumar Reddy’s lucky charm. Just weeks after smashing a gritty 41 and a maiden Test century at the same venue, the all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh made his ODI debut for India—receiving his cap from none other than captain Rohit Sharma under the bright Western Australian sun.
A Debut Steeped in Symbolism
There’s something poetic about Rohit Sharma handing over the ODI cap to Nitish. Sharma, who recently shed 11kg to extend his own career toward the 2027 World Cup , is now mentoring the next generation. “He’s earned this with sweat, not luck,” Rohit said in the team huddle before the toss.
For Nitish, it’s the culmination of years grinding in domestic cricket—1,200+ first-class runs in 2024, match-winning spells with the ball, and a reputation as a clutch performer in high-pressure games.
From Test Century to ODI Cap: Nitish’s Meteoric Rise
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey to the Indian ODI side has been anything but conventional:
- January 2025: Called up for India’s Test tour of Australia.
- February 2025: Scores 41 in tough Perth conditions, follows it with a 103 in the next Test.
- October 19, 2025: Makes ODI debut at the same ground where his international career began.
His ability to bowl brisk medium pace and bat in the top six makes him a rare hybrid—exactly the kind of player India needs in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup.
Australia Also Unveils Fresh Talent
India wasn’t the only side banking on youth. Australia handed ODI debuts to:
- Matt Renshaw – The Test opener finally gets a white-ball chance after revamping his T20 game.
- Mitch Owen – The Tasmanian all-rounder, known for his explosive lower-order hitting and handy off-spin.
With both teams integrating new blood, the Perth ODI wasn’t just a series opener—it was a glimpse into the future of cricket.
Nitish’s Role in India’s ODI Blueprint
With Hardik Pandya managing workload and Shardul Thakur in and out of form, Nitish offers a balanced option. His left-arm angle (despite being right-arm) creates natural variation, and his fearless batting—evident in his Ranji Trophy 98* off 62 balls—could be vital in death overs.
Coach Amol Muzumdar hinted at a long-term plan: “We’re not just filling a spot. We’re building a multi-format player.”
Debutants Comparison: India vs Australia
| Player | Team | Role | Domestic Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | India | Batting all-rounder | 1,240 Ranji runs @ 58 avg in 2024–25 |
| Matt Renshaw | Australia | Top-order batter | 789 Sheffield Shield runs @ 65 avg |
| Mitch Owen | Australia | All-rounder | 22 wickets + 350 runs in BBL 2024–25 |
The Road Ahead for Nitish
One game doesn’t define a career—but it can ignite one. If Nitish can replicate his Test grit in ODIs, he could become India’s secret weapon in the middle overs. And with the 2027 World Cup on home soil, every debutant today is a potential hero tomorrow.
As fireworks lit up Perth after the match, Nitish stood quietly near the boundary, cap in hand, already thinking about the next innings—not just for himself, but for the millions watching back home.