Indian national cricket team’s young all-rounder Nitish Reddy has revealed the name of the star Indian player who is his mentor.

Nitish Reddy overlooked the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma when he claimed that KL Rahul is the one who gives him crucial suggestions that help him a lot.

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Nitish Reddy made Test debut in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

All-rounder Nitish Reddy, 21, got his Test cap in Perth after being selected ahead of Shardul Thakur as the only all-rounder in the series.

Shardul Thakur was overlooked by the selection committee despite his past heroics for India, both with bat and ball in Test cricket, especially in Australia and England.

Nitish Reddy played the role of fourth seamer and supported Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana. Before making his Test debut, Reddy had played 3 T20Is for India and did a good job.

Talking about his performance in Perth, the all-rounder did an absolutely incredible job and impressed everyone with his all-round performance. He scored 41 runs in the first innings when India was in trouble and then bowled 38 balls for 27 in the second innings. Furthermore, he bagged one wicket in the match.

If I have any problem I just want to go and talk to KL Bhai – Nitish Reddy

Speaking in a video shared on BCCI.TV, Nitish Reddy stated that he talks directly to KL Rahul whenever he feels he is facing any problem.

He added that the star batsman gives him a good vibe and his suggestions always work for him during games.

“If I have any problem I just want to go and talk to KL Bhai, somehow I feel good vibes from him, any suggestion he gives me works for me, give me suggestions before I start batting and it worked too.” Nitish Reddy stated.

My father left his job for me and there has been a lot of sacrifice behind my story – Nitish Reddy

In the same video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Nitish Reddy openly admitted that he was not serious about cricket, but the sacrifices made by his father and family motivated him to do something big and ensure that His family members are proud of him.

“To be honest, I wasn’t serious when I was young. My father left his job for me and there has been a lot of sacrifice behind my story. One day, I saw him crying about the financial problems we were facing and I thought this is not how you can be, my father made the sacrifices and you play cricket just for fun. At that time, I got serious and grew, worked hard and it paid off,” Nitish said.

“As a son of a middle-class family, I am very proud that my father is happy now. I gave him my first shirt and I saw happiness on his face and I feel very proud,” he added.