October 10, 2024: Following a match-winning performance in India’s 86-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy credited captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir for empowering him to play with freedom and fearlessness.
Nitish’s explosive knock of 74 off 34 balls, along with two crucial wickets, was central to India’s commanding win, securing them the series.
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Nitish expressed his pride in representing India and the confidence he gained from his captain and coach. He noted that after a cautious start, a no-ball from Mahmadullah shifted momentum in his favor.
He said, “It feels great to represent India, feel so proud about this moment. Grateful for everything. I should give credit to the captain and coach. They gave me the license to play fearless cricket. I took my time initially, but after that no-ball everything went in my favor.”
Nitish partnered with Rinku Singh, who also played a brilliant knock of 53 off 29 balls, to lift India from 41/3 to a competitive 221/9 in 20 overs. Hardik Pandya contributed a valuable cameo of 32 runs.
Bangladesh’s chase faltered as they lost wickets regularly, with only Mahmadullah (41 off 39 balls) putting up resistance. India’s bowling attack, led by Varun Chakravarthy (2/19) and Nitish himself (2/23), restricted Bangladesh to 135/9.
Nitish’s all-round performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, and he expressed his desire to continue delivering such performances, saying, “I want to keep repeating such good performances.”
