India's emerging seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy on Thursday (January 9) received a warm reception upon reaching the Visakhapatnam airport from the successful Test tour of Australia.

At the airport exit, enthusiastic fans welcomed Nitish with a large yellow garland while showering yellow petals, as photographers assembled to click the momentous occasion.

Nitish, a resident of Gajwuaka in Visakhapatnam, boarded the front seat of an open jeep. He was accompanied by his father Mutyalu Reddy as supporters gathered nearby to catch a glimpse of their local sporting hero.

Nitish Kumar Reddy returned with 298 runs in nine innings across five matches Down Under. The 21-year-old began his Test career with useful contributions of 41 and 38*. He followed it up with scores of 42 and 42 before hitting his maiden Test ton in Melbourne.

His bowling contribution included five wickets from 44 overs, with 2/32 being his best figures. Reddy’s overall performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 augurs well for the Indian team as they were in search of a quality seam-bowling all-rounder ever since Hardik Pandya ouster from the Test side due to injuries.