Nitish Kumar Reddy made headlines on December 28, 2024, after scoring his maiden Test century during the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), showcasing incredible talent under pressure.
Reddy, at just 21 years old, stepped up when India was struggling at 221 for 7, needing stability to avoid follow-on. His unbeaten 105 was pivotal, helping India reach 358 for 9 at stumps, still trailing Australia’s first innings score of 474.
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to express his admiration for Reddy’s innings: "A knock toremember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test and his composure and temperament have been on display right through. Today he took it a notch higher... Well played!" The praises from Tendulkar exemplify the impact Reddy’s innings had, not just on the match but on the hearts of cricket fans nationwide.
Entering the crease at the MCG, the odds were stacked against Reddy. He joined Washington Sundar at the crease, crafting a remarkable partnership worth 127 runs for the eighth wicket, which was instrumental for the Indian side. Reddy batted for over five hours, hitting 10 boundaries and one six, showcasing both aggression and careful shot selection, frustrating Australia's bowlers.
Despite his youth, Reddy displayed poise reminiscent of seasoned players, providing necessary resistance against Australia’s formidable bowling. He was not alone; Sundar contributed significantly with 50 runs, establishing momentum after the early collapse, with Reddy’s performance receiving accolades from all corners. Sundar, too, expressed pride: "We will just fight, no matter what... I’m very, very happy for Nitish. He got an unbelievable hundred..."
The backdrop of Reddy’s achievement is mesmerizing. His century wasn't just about the runs; he became the first Indian to score 100 runs batting at No. 8 on Australian soil. Previously, the record for the highest score by an Indian batting at this position belonged to Anil Kumble, who scored 87. Reddy now holds this distinction, eleveting not only his own profile but also India's standing on the international stage.
His century not only rescued India from dire straits but also set records, tying the eighth-wicket partnership record against Australia, once held by Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh. Reddy's family celebrated this momentous day with him; his father, Mutyala, was emotional, declaring, "It’s a special day for the family... We are never going to forget this day." It’s moments like these where the significance of family support is clearly evident, especially for athletes pursuing challenging careers.
Leaping forward, Reddy’s performance is monumental, marking him as India’s most prolific batter during this series, tallying 284 runs at an impressive average of 71. With over eight sixes, he shares the record for the most hits beyond the boundary by any touring batter. Observers, including former coach Ravi Shastri, suggest Reddy should ascend the batting order, bringing clarity to his potential: "I would like to bat him in the top six... He’s as good as anyone with his technique, with his ability to play the quicks and the spinners."
A day of highs, Reddy’s on-field heroics have set the stage for future Indian cricket; his century now serves as a benchmark for upcoming players. With the series tied at 1-1 and more matches approaching, Indian fans will undoubtedly look forward to witnessing the rise of this young talent, hoping he continues to shine brightly. Reddy's impact at the MCG has not only solidified his status among his teammates but also left cricket aficionados eagerly anticipating what he will achieve next.
Record books will reflect the success of Nitish Kumar Reddy’s century during this historic match at the MCG—a moment celebrated by fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. While exploring the rest of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, one thing is evident: India has found another gem.
