"Thumbs up with both hands" - Aakash Chopra lauds Nitish Kumar Reddy's knock in BGT 2024-25 1st Test
Aakash Chopra has opined that Nitish Kumar Reddy could have made his Test debut against Bangladesh or New Zealand if he was being considered for the series opener of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, he praised the all-rounder for playing a crucial knock in India's first innings of the first Test against Australia.
Nitish top-scored with 41 runs off 59 deliveries as India were bowled out for 150 in their first innings in Perth on Friday, November 22. The visitors then reduced Australia to 67/7 in their first innings by the close of play on Day 1.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener lauded Nitish for an impressive performance on debut.
"You had chances of playing Nitish Kumar Reddy against New Zealand. You could have got him to make his debut against Bangladesh as well. It's okay if you didn't do that, but you could have done it against New Zealand. However, the way he has performed, it's thumbs up with both hands," he said (19:50).
Chopra highlighted the significance of Nitish's knock and his partnership with Rishabh Pant.
"Nitish Kumar Reddy played well. He batted with a lot of grit and determination, as they say guts and glory. You have to work hard for that, take a few balls on the body. Suddenly if you realize where this match is standing, it's only because of Rishabh Pant and Nitish's partnership and his 41 runs in the end," he observed.
Nitish joined Pant in the middle when India were reduced to 73/6. The duo added 48 runs for the seventh wicket, with Pant scoring a 78-ball 37.
"He might be sent ahead of Washington Sundar in the second innings" - Aakash Chopra on Nitish Kumar Reddy
![Nitish Kumar Reddy batted at No. 8 in India's first innings. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/11/f66b5-17322866467811-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same video, Aakash Chopra opined that Nitish Kumar Reddy might be promoted ahead of Washington Sundar in the batting order in India's second innings.
"If you think about Nitish Kumar Reddy's debut, he hasn't bowled thus far. He might get promoted in batting because he is batting well. He might be sent ahead of Washington Sundar in the second innings because at least he is looking a little better," he said.
The renowned commentator added that the 21-year-old lived up to expectations in his first outing with the bat.
"So early signs are very promising and this player has been fast-tracked only because he is an extremely promising player. When somebody is promising and performs like this in the first match where the entire team scores 150 and he emerges as the highest scorer with 41, then you say well played," Chopra observed.
Nitish struck six fours and a six during his innings. He was the last wicket to fall, caught by Usman Khawaja off Pat Cummins' bowling.