In a heartfelt and culturally resonant gesture, India’s skipper Shubman Gill publicly praised rising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in Telugu following his brilliant bowling performance during the first session of the third Test against England at Lord’s. The young right-arm seamer left a mark on the prestigious venue with a disciplined and impactful spell that rattled the English top order and shifted momentum in India’s favour early in the contest.
Reddy, playing only his third Test, showcased remarkable composure and control as he extracted movement off the pitch, maintaining tight lines and drawing errors from some of England’s most seasoned batters. His wickets were not just breakthroughs — they were game-changers. By removing two top-order batters, he ensured that India seized control early, setting the tone for the rest of the day.
Following the end of the session, Shubman Gill, who has quickly established himself as a modern, articulate leader, took to social media to share his admiration for Reddy’s performance. What stood out was Gill’s decision to post his appreciation in Telugu — Reddy’s mother tongue — adding a deeply personal touch that resonated not only with the young all-rounder but with fans across the country.
“నీ ఆట అద్భుతం రెడ్డి! నీకు ఈ అవకాశానికి నీవే సరైన వ్యక్తివి. ఇలాగే కొనసాగించు!” Gill wrote, which translates to, “Your performance was brilliant, Reddy! You are the right man for this opportunity. Keep going like this!”
This moment of multilingual praise struck a chord online, with fans applauding Gill not only for his leadership on the field but also for his inclusiveness and emotional intelligence. It was a rare yet powerful moment of captain-player camaraderie expressed in a regional language, showcasing the diverse yet united spirit of Indian cricket.
For Nitish Reddy, it was a day to remember. Stepping onto the field at Lord’s, where cricketing legends have made history, the 21-year-old from Andhra Pradesh bowled with the maturity of a veteran. His ability to maintain consistent pressure with clever variations in pace and length made life difficult for the English batters. What was especially impressive was how he thrived under conditions that initially didn’t offer exaggerated seam or swing, relying instead on accuracy and discipline.
The trust shown in Reddy by the Indian team management is clearly beginning to pay off. With every match, he’s growing in confidence, and his dual skillset is becoming increasingly valuable to the team’s balance. His rise is also a testament to India’s ever-growing bench strength, with young players ready to make a mark in high-pressure environments.
Shubman Gill’s praise, coming from a fellow youngster and now captain, adds weight to Reddy’s breakthrough. It signals the beginning of a new leadership culture — one that values performance, encourages individuality, and celebrates regional roots without hesitation.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on whether Reddy can back up his bowling brilliance with the bat. But for now, his contribution has already been pivotal — and he has earned the admiration of his captain and a growing fanbase across India.