Nitish Kumar Reddy Shares Gautam Gambhir's Key Advice Ahead of Australia Tests
During a drinks break in one of the matches, Reddy recalled a moment when he played a reverse sweep that was reviewed with a DRS. After it was ruled not out, Gambhir approached him and said, "Nitish, you have good power.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, the rising fast-bowling all-rounder, is poised to potentially make his Test debut for India in the upcoming series against Australia. With a scarcity of quality all-rounders who can bowl pace in Indian cricket, Reddy's selection by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) marks a significant opportunity, especially following his impressive performances in the T20I series against Bangladesh.
In a recent interview with the Hindustan Times, Reddy reflected on the impactful advice he received from coach Gautam Gambhir, which he believes has played a crucial role in his development. Early in the Bangladesh series, the team management encouraged Reddy to adopt an aggressive playing style similar to what he showcased during the IPL. However, it was Gambhir’s specific feedback that stood out.
During a drinks break in one of the matches, Reddy recalled a moment when he played a reverse sweep that was reviewed with a DRS. After it was ruled not out, Gambhir approached him and said, "Nitish, you have good power. You can clear the boundary line easily. You have no need to play reverse sweep on these kinds of wickets because the ball is keeping low." This advice underscored the importance of adapting his game to the conditions rather than relying on risky shots.
Reddy credited Gambhir for encouraging him to trust his natural power. "He told me to back my power," Reddy said, which he took to heart during his impressive innings of 74 runs against Bangladesh. "The over bowled by the spinner turned out very well for me at that time."
In addition to batting, Gambhir also provided insights on Reddy's bowling. Reddy, who typically bowls between 130-135 km/h but has the potential to exceed 140 km/h, emphasized the importance of consistency over sheer pace. "To be honest, I am trying to be more consistent in red ball," Reddy explained. "I feel like bowling 130-135 is good pace. Rather than going 140-145, trying to bowl more pace, I just don't want to lose my consistency. My first priority will be bowling in the consistent areas, hitting the top of the off stump."
With Gambhir’s guidance, Reddy is honing his skills and preparing to make a mark on the international stage as India gears up for the challenging series against Australia. As he looks to translate his T20 success into Test cricket, Reddy’s commitment to consistency and adapting to the game conditions will be pivotal for his performance.
