Team India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy briefly stopped the post-match press conference to answer a call from his mother after the first ODI against Afghanistan. India won the match by seven wickets at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday, June 13, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
With Hardik Pandya unavailable, Reddy had an important role in the series and delivered a solid performance in the rain-affected game. He finished with figures of 2/31 in four overs, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi.
During a reporter’s question, his phone rang. He apologised, answered the call from his mother, and said he would call back shortly.
“Sorry, one second. I have to pick this,” he said with a smile.
You can watch the video here:
The post-match presser can wait but a call from Mom simply cannot 😊#TeamIndia | #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @NKReddy07 pic.twitter.com/23OUBNZvYH
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2026
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been expected to take on a key role in India’s ODI setup due to Hardik Pandya’s injury concerns. He has also been included in India’s squads for the upcoming T20I series in Ireland and England.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Claims Maiden ODI Wicket in IND vs AFG 1st ODI 2026
After a tough start to his ODI career with the ball, where he went wicketless in his first four matches since debut, Nitish Kumar Reddy finally got his breakthrough in Dharamshala. His sharp delivery dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the 16th over, marking his first ODI wicket.
The all-rounder had shown clear improvement in pace, movement, and control during IPL 2026 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after refining his action and technique in the off-season, while also gaining valuable experience and confidence at the top level.
India will next play the second ODI against Afghanistan, aiming to seal the series. The match is set for Wednesday, June 17, at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
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