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'He Learnt Sledging By Watching Virat Kohli,' India U-19 Star's Coach Gives Bold Statement

Nitya Pandya's idol is Virat Kohli, says coach [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]Nitya Pandya's idol is Virat Kohli, says coach [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]

India’s U-19 team showcased some brilliant cricket on Monday, October 7, in the second youth Test against Australia. Leading from the front was young batting star Nitya Pandya, who played a remarkable knock, almost reaching a century. His confident innings of 94 runs off 135 balls, which included 12 boundaries, helped India U-19 put up a solid total of 316 for five on the first day. Unfortunately, Pandya fell just six runs short of what would have been a well-deserved century, dismissed by Australia’s Harry Hoekstra, who took 2/29.

Pandya wasn’t the only one to score big that day, as three other players also reached half-centuries, but his innings stood out. His stylish and aggressive batting set the tone for India’s innings, and his performance gave India the upper hand early in the match.

What’s most interesting about Nitya Pandya isn’t just his batting abilities, but the inspiration behind his game. His coach, Digvijay Rathva, who has been training him since the age of 13, revealed in an interview with The Indian Express that Pandya’s idol is none other than Indian cricket legend, Virat Kohli.

"Nitya's idol is Virat Kohli and he follows him a lot. All this talking & Sledging, he picked it by watching Kohli. When he takes the field, he wants to be like Kohli sunglasses, collars up, fielding & even celebrating a wicket, you will see him imitate Kohli in every aspect," he said.

Nitya Pandya Growing Out Of U-19 Category

Though Pandya is one of the emerging stars in India’s U-19 team, his age might soon push him beyond this category. At 18, he won’t be eligible to play in the upcoming U-19 World Cup. This current Test series against Australia might very well be his last in the age-group category, making his recent performances even more significant.

India lead the youth Test series 1-0, having won the first match by two wickets.