Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy hailed after India win in Christchurch T20I

Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy produced a match-winning finish for India in the second T20I against New Zealand at Christchurch on Saturday, October 24, 2026, prompting an outpouring of social media reaction. Fans, particularly from Telugu-speaking states, celebrated the pair and the duo trended online as the “Telugu brothers.”

Tilak, from Telangana, and Nitish, from Andhra Pradesh, became the focus of attention after their late-innings partnership in Christchurch. A video of the two conversing in Telugu during the innings went viral, and social media was filled with memes, posts and celebratory messages that referenced their regional connection and use of the language.

Nitish scored 26 runs off 13 balls and, together with Tilak Varma, finished the match in an unbroken 69-run seventh-wicket partnership that sealed victory for India. Nitish was also awarded the game changer of the match award for his contribution.

Supporters across both Telugu-speaking states posted messages of pride and appreciation, with several users adopting the tagline “Telugu brothers destroying New Zealand.” Many posts described the partnership and finishing efforts as a memorable moment for Telugu cricket fans and celebrated the pair’s composure under pressure.

Nitish joined the online conversation after the game by sharing photographs of himself with Tilak Varma and captioning the post “Saripodha Sanivaram.” The caption drew a large volume of responses; cricketer Vijay Tripurana commented “Shiva Tandavame” on Nitish’s post, adding to the online buzz surrounding the duo.

IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh publicly praised the players on social media, writing: “Telugu cricketers Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy steered Team India from the brink of defeat to victory in the Christchurch T20 against New Zealand. The duo, conversing fluently in beautiful Telugu, coordinated seamlessly to finish the match. Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who showcased the prowess of Telugu spirit and the sweetness of the Telugu language on a New Zealand stage to the world, heartfelt congratulations.”

Celebrations on social media continued for hours after the match, with fans and peers sharing images, jokes and tributes celebrating the partnership and the regional connection between the two players.