Team India`s star batsman Rohit Sharma gave a heart-warming speech for India`s ODI debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, and is 110 per cent assured that he will turn into an all-format great and will also travel a long way with the modern-day giants.
“Cap number 260, Nitish Reddy. You have got a great start to your career, and it`s only because of how you want to play the game and your attitude. I am 110 per cent sure that with that attitude, you are going to go a long way in this Indian team,” Rohit said in a video posted by the BCCI.
“You are going to be an all-format great, which I believe thoroughly, because, like you said in your speech yesterday, you want to be everywhere, and that is where we all want you to be doing that. I am 110 per cent sure that the team will rally around you. Anything you need, anytime you need anything, everyone will be there to support you. Good luck, have a great career,” he added.
Nitish, who had already played a few games in Test and T20I, also made his debut in the 50-over format during the first ODI match against Australia.
Facing 11 balls, the right-hander stayed unbeaten on the score of 19 runs, which was laced with two boundaries. With the ball, he also bowled 2.1 overs and conceded 16 runs.
Coming to the first ODI match against Australia, Team India posted a total of 136 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 26 overs. The play was cut short to 26 overs from 50, due to persistent rain.
KL Rahul emerged as the top scorer for India. Facing 31 balls, he accumulated 38 runs with the help of two boundaries and two maximums.
Later, however, Australia`s skipper Mitchell Marsh played an unbeaten knock of 46 runs in 52 balls, including two boundaries and three maximums.
Riding on his knock, the Aussies secured a win by seven wickets in the first ODI match at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
The second ODI game between India and Australia is scheduled to be played on October 23 at the Adelaide Oval.
(With ANI Inputs)