'You are going to be an all-format great...': Rohit Sharma predicts Nitish Kumar Reddy's future after handing over ODI debut cap in Australia

Former India captain Rohit Sharma delivered a heart-warming speech for ODI debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy while handing over the ODI debut cap to the 22-year-old fast bowling all-rounder during the first ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The 38-year-old Champions Trophy 2025 winning captain is '110 per cent' assured that Nitish Reddy's attitude will turn him turn into an "all-format great" and 'travel a long way' with the modern-day giants.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's debut cap

Nitish, who earlier received his Test cap from Virat Kohli in last year's Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, returned to the land down under to earn his first ODI cap.

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Rohit Sharma for Nitish Kumar Reddy

During the presentation, Rohit had lavished praise on the fast bowling all-rounder. He predicted a bright future for the 22-year-old while assuring the entire team will "rally around him".

"Cap number 260, Nitish Reddy. You have got a great start to your career, and it's only because of how you want to play the game and your attitude. I am 110 per cent sure that with that attitude, you are going to go a long way in this Indian team," Rohit said in a video posted by the BCCI.

"You are going to be an all-format great, which I believe thoroughly, 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. I am 110 per cent sure that the team will rally around you. Anything you need, anytime you need anything, everyone will be there to support you. Good luck, have a great career," Rohit concluded.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's performance in 1st ODI

Nitish has had a memorable ODI debut as he flaunted his six-hitting muscle in the first innings and showed signs of living up to the belief that the former Indian skipper has exuded in him. The young star played an unbeaten knock of 19 runs, including two sixes, to propel India to 136/9 in a fixture reduced to 26 overs each.

However, his cameo went in vain as Australia captain Mitchell Marsh hammered an unbeaten 46 to take Australia home with a 7-wicket win (DLS method) with 29 balls to spare.