Nitish Kumar Reddy etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket by scoring his maiden Test century against Australia during the fourth Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 28, 2024. The talented all-rounder, who batted at number eight, reached the landmark with remarkable skill and composure, bringing hope to his team when it was on the brink of collapse.
Reddy, only 21 years old, reached his hundred off 171 balls, showcasing his explosive bat swing with nine fours and one six. His achievement is historic; he is now the first Indian to score a century from the number eight position on Australian soil. The previous record for the highest score by an Indian batting at number eight was held by Anil Kumble, who scored 87 runs during the 2008 Adelaide Test.
This incredible performance was pivotal for India, and it sparked memories of great innings under pressure. With the team teetering at 244/7 and still trailing by 148 runs, Reddy's fighting spirit was instrumental. He teamed up with Washington Sundar to deliver a solid partnership of 105 runs, laying the groundwork for India's fight back.
At the point of Reddy's arrival, India was at risk of facing follow-on. His steady knocks helped the team cross the 300-run mark, and the innings gained momentum as Reddy found his rhythm, avoiding any wickets lost during the second session. This resilience under pressure reflects the determination of Reddy, who is quickly becoming one of India’s promising young talents.
The partnership with Sundar was particularly significant, as they almost consistently rotated the strike, and their shared runs not only improved the team’s situation but also provided much-needed stability during turbulent moments. The two batters showed unwavering focus, which had become scarce as the Indian side grappled with formidable Australian bowlers.
By tea on Day 3, at 326/7, Reddy was on 85 not out, with Sundar supporting him well at 40 runs. Reports indicate Steve Smith's error in dropping Sundar's catch turned out to be detrimental for Australia, as both Reddy and Sundar took advantage of the situation, steadily accumulating runs without losing their wicket.
Reddy became the third Indian batsman to score a century during the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, joining the ranks of Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal. This milestone not only marks personal success for him but also adds to the historical significance of the match, with records being rewritten as the series progresses.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recognized Reddy's achievement, tweeting celebratory messages, one of which read, “Flower nahi, fire hai!” referencing the famous line from the Indian film Pushpa, signifying his tenacity and fiery performance on the field. It turned viral, capturing the enthusiasm of cricket fans across the country.
The records he set reached beyond just his maiden century; Reddy now holds the joint record for the most sixes hit by a visiting batter during a Test series in Australia, having hit eight sixes so far. This record was previously held by cricketing legends Michael Vaughan and Chris Gayle. His performance has attracted positive attention from cricket experts and former players alike, leading many to speculate about his potential future position within the Indian team as he continues to prove his worth.
At 21 years and 216 days, Reddy is now the third youngest Indian to achieve this significant landmark—beginning his Test career with such success bodes well for the future of Indian cricket.
Now, focus turns to the remainder of the match. India, bolstered by Reddy's innings, will look to build upon this momentum and challenge Australia, who initially seemed to dominate the game. The Indian side’s selectors and fans alike will certainly keep their eyes on this budding talent moving forward.
With every match, Reddy is proving he is not one to back down when the stakes are high. His milestone and the excitement he brings to the game is what cricket is all about, as he continues to flower under pressure—he truly embodies the spirit of his celebratory proclamation: "Flower nahi, fire hai!" as he proudly strides onto the field, ready to make his mark.
