Nitish Kumar Reddy Opens Up on Virat Kohli’s Special Gift, ‘Pushpa’ Celebration, and His Rise in Indian Cricket

Varahi media.com online news,Bengaluru, March 20, 2025: As IPL 2025 draws near, rising cricket star Nitish Kumar Reddy sat down for an exclusive conversation with PUMA India at their Bengaluru headquarters, alongside sports host Arjun Pandit. The 21-year-old Andhra cricketer reflected on his incredible journey—from his record-breaking Border-Gavaskar Trophy century to a treasured gift from Virat Kohli, and the unforgettable moment he celebrated his innings with the famous ‘Pushpa’ gesture.

Virat Kohli’s Special Gift and a Historic Century

Nitish, a proud Telugu boy and ardent Kohli fan, couldn’t believe his luck when the cricket legend gifted him a pair of his shoes. Little did he know those very shoes would carry him to history. Playing at the MCG, Nitish became the first Indian batter to score a Test century in Australia from No. 8, and the third-youngest Indian centurion in Australia, following Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant. He also set the record for the most sixes by an Indian in a Test series on Australian soil.

Recalling the light-hearted moment in the dressing room, he shared,

“One day, Virat bhai asked Sarfaraz (Khan) his shoe size, and when it was my turn, I quickly guessed 10-even if they weren’t my size, I really wanted them! I wore those shoes in the next match and scored a century.”

A Tribute to His Uncle’s Sacrifices

Nitish’s cricketing journey wouldn’t have been possible without his uncle’s unwavering support. Coming from a financially challenged background, his father couldn’t afford cricket gear, but his uncle stepped in, saving up his modest earnings to buy him a bat and spiked shoes.

“I only wanted the ones that Virat bhai wore. When my uncle bought them for me, I felt like Virat bhai himself on the field.”

In a heartfelt moment during the podcast, Nitish surprised his uncle with a brand-new pair of PUMA shoes over a video call, expressing his gratitude.

“This may not be enough for everything he’s done, but I know it’ll make him happy.”

‘Pushpa’ Celebration and His Love for Telugu Cinema

A die-hard Tollywood fan, Nitish made headlines when he celebrated his first Test fifty with Pushpa Raj’s iconic “Jhukega Nahi” gesture after smashing a boundary.

“I wanted to celebrate in a way Telugu fans would love. The response was incredible! I’m planning to bring more iconic movie celebrations to my future matches.”

From IPL to International Stardom

Nitish’s talent shone during his IPL campaign last season, where he played a pivotal role in his team’s final run, scoring 303 runs and taking three wickets under Pat Cummins’ leadership. Seeking to refine his all-rounder skills, he has taken cues from Hardik Pandya while also making a mark during his Bangladesh tour before his BGT heroics.

Beyond cricket, Nitish shared a lighter side of his journey, recalling how his IPL teammate Travis Head tried to distract him with playful sledging.

Nitish joined PUMA India’s elite athlete lineup in 2024, which includes stars like PV Sindhu, Harmanpreet Kaur, Mohammed Shami, MC Mary Kom, Riyan Parag, Richa Ghosh, and many more.

His full conversation with PUMA India is available on their YouTube channel, offering fans a heartwarming glimpse into the life of one of India’s youngest Test centurions.

Off the field, Nitish is a gaming and anime enthusiast, calling them his stressbusters. With his career on the rise, cricket fans eagerly await what’s next for this young Telugu sensation.

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