The third Test at Lord’s got off to a exciting start as India’s young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a stunning spell right after the drinks break during the first session against England. Captain Shubman Gill’s decision to hand him the ball paid instant dividends as Nitish removed both England openers in his very first over. What stood out even more was Gill’s animated celebration, captured on the stump mic, where he praised Reddy in Telugu.
Shubman Gill’s Telugu reaction steals the show after Joe Root fends off Nitish Kumar Reddy’s bouncer
The highlight of the morning session came during the 16th over when Nitish Reddy was introduced into the attack. Bowling to England’s Joe Root, the young Indian all-rounder delivered a teasing delivery that bounced more than expected. Root, looking to dance down the track, was caught completely off-guard as the ball reared up awkwardly, forcing him to pull back in haste.
The moment electrified the field, drawing animated reactions from the Indian players. Leading the celebrations was skipper Gill, who couldn’t hide his delight at the surprise bounce from the debutant. In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Gill exclaimed loudly in Telugu, Nitish’s native tongue, saying “Bagundi ra mawa!” which translates to “Very good, man!” The comment was picked up clearly by the stump mic, triggering laughter and cheer from the slip cordon. Just two overs later, Reddy sent down a fiery bouncer that once again startled Root, showcasing the unexpected venom in his bowling. It was a touching and spirited moment, an Indian captain connecting culturally with a rising star, celebrating not just skill, but also identity on the grand stage of Lord’s.
Here’s the video:
Bagundi ra mawa – Gill to NKR
( save the video) might delete soon. pic.twitter.com/YmQn6nC30Z— Abhishek Reddy (@1_m_Abhishek) July 10, 2025
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Nitish Reddy’s breakthrough spell turns the tide at Lord’s towards India
India had a steady but wicketless first hour after being put into the field by England, with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley navigating the opening spell cautiously. Post-drinks, Gill introduced Nitish Reddy with the hope of breaking the rhythm, and the youngster delivered instantly. His first ball beat Duckett on line, and though the batter struck a boundary off the next, Reddy had him caught behind down the leg side soon after.
He then dismissed Crawley with a near-unplayable delivery that kissed the outside edge and was safely held by Rishabh Pant. Almost dismissing Ollie Pope for a duck, Reddy’s probing line and bounce had England on the back foot. His standout moment came not with a wicket, but when he sent down a surprise short ball to Joe Root, forcing a rushed reaction and drawing loud cheers from the slip cordon. Reddy’s aggression and control showed remarkable maturity, especially on debut. His precise lengths, surprising bounce, and natural seam movement made him the standout performer of the session. This two-wicket burst in his first over didn’t just dent England’s start, it also marked the arrival of another promising talent in India’s pace-rich pipeline.
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