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Nitish Kumar Reddy has revealed India coach Gautam Gambhir told him to prepare for his Test debut by 'taking a bullet for your country'.

Nitish Kumar Reddy was told to "take a bullet for your country" before top scoring for India on Test debut.

The allrounder - who has received high praise from Australian captain Pat Cummins - who plays with him in the Indian Premier League - impressed in hostile conditions in Perth on day one of the first Test on Friday.

Coming to the crease at 6-73, Reddy used inventive shots in belting 41 to halt Australia's momentum in partnership with Rishabh Pant.

After gaining the call-up to the Test XI, the 21-year-old was given some pertinent advice from India coach Gautam Gambhir.

"I still remember last practice ... after the practice, I had a chat with Gautam, so he was mentioning, when you get any bouncers ... sharp spells, just take onto your shoulders," Reddy said. 

"Just feel like you are taking a bullet for your country.

"So that really helped me a lot. Like, that just boosted me up.

"Everyone was talking like there is a good bounce in this wicket. 

"He said that thing, and I felt like you need to take bullets for your country. 

"That's the best thing I have heard from Gautam."

Reddy's revelation is a boost for Gambhir, who faced fierce criticism after India's historic 3-0 home whitewash defeat to New Zealand.

Before flying out from India to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar battle, Gambhir hit back at Ricky Ponting after the Australia legend criticised the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

India appeared to be a team in disarray before playing Australia, but they finished day one of the first Test completely on top.

The tourists have held the Border-Gavaskar trophy since 2017, with Australia's last Test series win against India coming in 2014-15.