When India’s hopes seemed all but dashed, chasing Australia’s towering 474 in the first innings, Nitish Kumar Reddy emerged as the unlikely hero. The swashbuckling all-rounder, alongside Washington Sundar, staged a remarkable revival to steer India from a precarious 191-6 to a fighting position.
Reddy, who has showcased his exceptional batting skills throughout the series, was composed under pressure. Displaying a perfect blend of elegant drives and resolute defense, the Andhra Pradesh cricketer steadily built his innings. In a dramatic 115th over, with just one wicket in hand, Reddy reached the pinnacle of his efforts — his maiden Test century. His scintillating knock, studded with 10 boundaries and a six, etched his name in history at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
This innings also set a record as the highest score by an Indian batter at No. 8 in Australia, a testament to Reddy’s grit and class.
A Promising Journey
Hailing from Visakhapatnam, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. Since his first-class debut in 2020 against Kerala, he has played 17 games, amassing 566 runs at an average of 20.96 and taking 52 wickets. In List A cricket, Reddy has tallied 422 runs at an average of 36.63 and claimed 14 wickets. Though his T20 experience is limited, including four IPL appearances, his talent has been undeniable.
His breakout moment came during the 2017-18 Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he amassed 1,237 runs at an astounding average of 176.41, setting a tournament record. This earned him the prestigious Best Cricketer in the Under-16 Jagmohan Dalmiya award at the BCCI annual awards. Reddy also represented India B in U19 cricket, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
From Setbacks to Triumph
The road to international cricket wasn’t without hurdles for Reddy. After a stellar IPL 2024 season, he earned a call-up to India’s squad for the Zimbabwe tour. However, a hernia injury cruelly ruled him out, delaying his international debut.
Reddy finally donned the India jersey during the first T20I against Bangladesh, marking his arrival with a blistering 74 off just 34 balls, featuring four boundaries and seven towering sixes. This remarkable debut paved the way for his inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad.
A Star in the Making
Reddy’s consistent performances against Australia in the ongoing series have cemented his place as one of India’s brightest talents. His maiden Test century in the fourth Test exemplifies his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure.
As India battles on in Melbourne, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s heroics are a testament to his resilience and skill, signaling the arrival of a star destined to shine brightly in Indian cricket.
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