The Nitish Kumar Reddy Story (Image: BCCI)
India has a new cricketing sensation—Nitish Kumar Reddy. The 21-year-old cricketer etched his name in history with a tenacious maiden Test century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), lifting Indian spirits in the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia. His defiant knock of 100 runs, studded with 10 fours and a six, came off 172 balls and marked a turning point for India in a match that had seemed precariously tilted against them.
Nitish’s journey to this historic moment is a testament to grit, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. Born into a humble family in Andhra Pradesh, his father, Mutyala Reddy, played an important role in shaping his son’s cricketing career. At the age of 12, Nitish was introduced to former Indian wicketkeeper MSK Prasad, who instantly recognised the youngster’s talent. Prasad, a stalwart of Andhra cricket, facilitated Nitish’s entry into the Andhra Cricket Association, which provided monthly financial support of Rs 15,000, covering his cricketing and educational needs.
Prasad recalled Nitish’s early promise with pride in a conversation with Times of India, describing him as a “silent assassin” who excelled with disciplined batting and wicket-to-wicket bowling. “He has come a long way from his humble beginnings. His family’s sacrifices and his relentless hard work have paid off,” Prasad said, emphasising that Nitish was destined for greatness.
Nitish’s knock on Saturday rescued India from a dire position of 221/7. In partnership with Washington Sundar, who scored a vital half-century, he stitched a 127-run stand for the eighth wicket. Although they narrowly missed surpassing India’s highest eighth-wicket partnership against Australia, their stand was a crucial lifeline for the team. Sundar, visibly impressed, remarked, “Nitish has killed it with his performance. This is just the beginning for him.”
The defining moment of the innings came when Nitish, on 99, played a sublime on-drive to reach the century mark. The MCG erupted with applause, and the cheers were echoed by his father, who was seen praying in the stands. Nitish celebrated by recreating a pose from the iconic film *Baahubali*, drawing even more admiration from the crowd. His achievement also placed him in an elite list of Indian batters who have scored centuries in Boxing Day Tests, joining legends like Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane.
Nitish’s innings, however, was not without drama. Rain interrupted his rhythm when he was on 85, forcing him to recalibrate and approach his innings cautiously. After resuming, he took 48 balls to move from 85 to 97, narrowly surviving a leading edge that fell short of Pat Cummins. As the tension mounted, Nitish showcased immense composure, even as India’s ninth wicket fell at the other end. With dark clouds looming and Mohammed Siraj battling to hold his ground, Nitish finally seized the moment, driving Mitchell Starc for four to bring up his century.
This remarkable innings comes as a culmination of Nitish’s ability to rise to challenges. In previous matches on this tour, he had shown flashes of his potential, rescuing India from precarious positions. His adaptability and temperament have drawn comparisons to India’s greats, with pundits speculating if he could be the fast-bowling all-rounder India has been searching for.
MSK Prasad weighed in on this debate, expressing confidence in Nitish’s potential. “His batting is exceptional, and this century will boost his confidence. There’s still work to be done on his bowling, but I believe he has the drive to excel,” Prasad told Times of India. Team India has often struggled to find a reliable fast-bowling all-rounder, with players like Hardik Pandya curtailed by injuries. Nitish’s emergence offers renewed hope in this regard.
Nitish’s century also serves as a testament to his work ethic, which has been lauded by teammates and coaches alike. Washington Sundar highlighted Nitish’s meticulous preparation during the IPL, noting, “He gives 120% in everything he does. This is just the beginning of something special.”
At the MCG, Nitish’s innings not only steadied India but also captivated an audience of 85,000, who marvelled at his poise against Australia’s formidable bowling attack. He handled Mitchell Starc’s pace, shrugged off Pat Cummins’ short balls, and confidently played Nathan Lyon’s spin. His stroke play, particularly an inside-out drive against the turn, showcased a level of skill and maturity rarely seen in a player so young.
