Call from mom can't wait: All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy interrupts post-match PC after India's victory
Dharamsala, June 14
A wholesome moment occured during the post-match presser following the India-Afghanistan first ODI, with the Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy attending a phone call from his mother as he faced questions from the media after his team's win.
A sensational half-century from skipper Shubman Gill and three-wicket hauls from debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey helped India sail past Afghanistan with seven wickets in hand at Dharamsala on Friday, with the match being a 25-overs-per-side affair due to rain.
Following the match, Nitish, who also bowled a tidy four-over spell of two wickets for 31 runs, which included wickets of centurion Rahmanullah Gurbaz and all-rounder Mohammed Nabi, got a call from his mother. Nitish, who faced a question from a journalist, picked up the call, telling his mother that he would pick up after five minutes and apologising to the media person for the interruption in what was a very light-hearted moment.
Nitish came into the squad after a solid Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He scored 302 runs in 13 innings at an average of 30.20 and a strike rate of 171.59 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), including a half-century. He also took eight wickets, his season-best, at an average of 40.37, cranking up late 130 and early 140 clicks up while bowling and getting some crucial wickets.
Coming to the match, it was reduced to 25-overs-per-side due to rain. India opted to bowl first and reduced Afghanistan to 26/3. Gurbaz continued to smack fours and sixes, particularly against spin from one side in an amazing counter-attack, stitching a 116-run partnership with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (27 in 30 balls, with three fours). Afghanistan was skittled out for 194/10 in 24.5 overs.
Debutants Gurnoor Brar (3/27 in 4.5 overs) and Harsh Dubey (3/47) were impressive on debut, with Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy also getting two wickets.
In the run-chase, India lost Rohit Sharma (16 in 16 balls, with two fours and a six) just when a 46-run stand with Shubman Gill was taking off. Gill (84* in 66 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes) stayed towards the end, stitching partnerships of 70 runs for the second wicket with Ishan Kishan (34 in 22 balls, with three fours and a six) and 55 runs for the fourth wicket with KL Rahul (39* in 19 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes). India chased the total in 22.5 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Gill secured the 'Player of the Match' award.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the moment was sweet, honestly disappointed with the overall bowling performance from India. Giving 194 runs in a 25-over game is just not acceptable, especially against Afghanistan. Gurbaz almost took the game away from us. Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey were impressive on debut, but the team needs to work on death bowling basics. As for Nitish, mom's call was the highlight of an otherwise average performance from him with the ball.
As someone who's been following Nitish since his SRH days, this is just typical Nitish! The kid has that innocence mixed with raw talent. At SRH, he showed he can bowl at 140+ clicks and bat at a strike rate of 170. His mom must be so proud seeing him now. And for those criticizing, remember he's still young and learning. This team is building for the future - let's support these young guns! #FutureStar #IndianCricket
That moment where he said '5 minutes ma, calling back' was pure gold 😂 Reminds me of my college days when I'd take calls from mom during lectures! But seriously, the Indian team management should be praised for giving chances to young players like Gurnoor and Harsh. The future of Indian fast bowling looks bright! Also, Shubman Gill as captain is showing great maturity.
What a refreshing change from the usual serious press conferences! Nitish's humble nature is exactly what Indian cricket needs. Shubman Gill's knock of 84 not out was a masterclass in chasing - he's not just a batsman but a leader. The way he built partnerships with Ishan and KL was textbook. And let's appreciate the debutants - Gurnoor and Harsh both taking 3 wickets each on their first match! Absolutely brilliant!
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