'He's calm and cool': Nitish Reddy, Mayank Yadav become fans of 'captain' Suryakumar Yadav

India handed out debuts to two of the country's most promising players in the first T20I against Bangladesh at Gwalior. The two players are Nitish Reddy and Mayank Yadav, who finally got an international cap after a brief period of injuries.

Nitish scored an unbeaten 16 off 15 balls with the bat, which included a huge six over long-on and finished with 0-17 with his pace bowling. Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav was brilliant on his international debut and finished with 1-21 in four overs.

Both youngsters can be the X-factors for India in the future with their variety of skills. While Nitish is a pace bowling allrounder, which itself is a rare commodity in India, Mayank has the ability to clock speeds at around 150 kph consistently.

Also read: Mayank Yadav reveals Gautam Gambhir's 'don't think about trying different things' warning before India debut

Nitish Reddy speaks on his international debut

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) uploaded a video in which Nitish Reddy shared his views on his India debut. He admitted that there was some nervousness but it was a proud moment for the family.

Nitish Reddy further mentioned that he loves playing with the senior players and working with the coaching staff of the team. The allrounder further hailed the dressing room atmosphere which helped him express himself.

"It's a big moment for us. Being a cricketer in India is a big moment. It's a dream come true. Obviously, there is nervousness but I enjoy the nervousness in pressure situations, so it was a very proud moment for me and the family as well," Nitish said.

"Playing with this kind of (senior) players and getting a lot of experience as well from the coaching staff, even in bowling as well, I am getting some keen points in the Indian team," he added.

Nitish Reddy also spoke about Suryakumar Yadav and claimed that he is calm as a captain. He further thanked Surya for giving the freedom to the players.

"He is very calm and cool. He is doing fabulous captaincy. He didn't give any pressure to us. We are debutants, so we will have the nervousness and pressure. He gives the license that any youngster would love to get from the captain, so we are very happy," Nitish Reddy added.

Mayank Yadav on his India debut

Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav was the second debutant for India alongside Nitish Reddy. While speaking in the same video, Mayank admitted that he was nervous and the whole flashback of the last four months of rehab was in front of his eyes when he got his cap.

"Great moment because I am coming from my injury. I was a bit nervous this time. I was telling myself that don't stress yourself and don't become nervous. But when I got to know that I am going to play the first match, that complete flashback got in front of my eyes from the last four months," Mayank said.

Mayank further said that he did not aim to bowl a maiden and just focused on good line and length. The 22-year-old also claimed that being under Morne Morkel was easy for him as both of them know each other having worked with Lucknow Super Giants before.

"It was quite good. I was not thinking that I am gonna bowl a maiden over. I just wanted to live in that moment, enjoy the moment," Mayank mentioned.

"Yeah, definitely, it's comfortable for me. I am with him for the last three years. So, I know him and he knows me very well. So, it's very easy for me to work with him. He knows which things are better for me and where I can work," the youngster added.

"He gives you the freedom" - Mayank Yadav on Suryakumar Yadav

"He gives you the freedom. Whenever I am in the run-up, he told me to do what I feel and that is very important for a fast bowler, especially when you are making your debut," Mayank hailed Suryakumar.

Both Nitish Reddy and Mayank Yadav have made it to the Indian team following their impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. While Nitish Reddy played some crucial cameos for SRH in the middle order, Mayank clocked a serious pace to catch everyone's attention.

Both of them can go on to serve India for a long time in the future. Meanwhile, India annihilated Bangladesh by 7 wickets with 49 balls remaining, thanks to three wickets each from Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy. Hardik Pandya scored a brisk 39 off 16 balls with the bat while Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav scored 29 runs each.