Noida, India: Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has heaped praise on Nitish Kumar Reddy, crediting the young all-rounder for elevating the Indian team to a position of strength in the Melbourne Test. Reddy’s remarkable unbeaten 105 on debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has given India a fighting chance to salvage the match in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
When India was reeling at 221/7 after losing Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession, Nitish stood firm, leading a spirited comeback alongside Washington Sundar. The duo’s vital partnership not only helped India avoid the follow-on but also significantly narrowed the deficit against a formidable Australian attack.
Nitish had already showcased his talent earlier in the series, impressing with a quickfire 41 in Perth. This knock served as a precursor to the memorable century at the MCG, where his composed and counter-attacking approach stole the spotlight.
“One of the Finest Hundreds,” Says Madan Lal
Madan Lal lauded Nitish’s temperament and skill, calling it one of the finest centuries ever seen under such challenging circumstances. “Given the situation India was in, this century is extraordinary. Even in the first two Tests, he batted brilliantly, which gave him the confidence to perform here,” Lal said in a conversation with ANI.
Reaching the milestone was no easy feat. After Sundar fell to Nathan Lyon, the pressure mounted as India’s tailenders tried to hold the fort. Jasprit Bumrah’s dismissal added to the tension, but Mohammed Siraj stood resilient, ensuring Nitish got the strike. On 99, Nitish displayed nerves of steel, lofting the ball over the inner circle for a boundary to bring up his maiden Test hundred.
“A Bonus for India,” Atul Wassan Applauds Nitish
Former cricketer Atul Wassan highlighted Nitish’s contribution as a significant asset for India in this series. “Nitish is a bonus. While some of our key players have struggled, he has stepped up consistently, showing remarkable temperament and versatility,” Wassan told ANI.
Wassan also advocated for Nitish to be promoted up the batting order. “He should have batted earlier instead of Akash Deep. His ability to adapt and deliver under pressure makes him invaluable,” he added.
An Emotional Moment for the Reddy Family
The MCG stands witnessed not just cricketing brilliance but also an emotional family reunion. Nitish’s parents and sister were present to witness his monumental knock. As Nitish reached his century, his father, Mutyalu Reddy, was overwhelmed with emotion, shedding tears of pride and joy.
After the day’s play, Nitish shared a heartfelt moment with his family. His mother hugged him tightly, his sister congratulated him warmly, and his father, unable to contain his emotions, kissed his son on the cheek. “We’ve faced many struggles, and today is a proud moment for us. We are grateful to the Indian team for supporting Nitish,” Mutyalu said.
Nitish’s Stellar Series Performance
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been India’s standout performer in the series. In four matches and six innings, he has amassed 284 runs at a strike rate of 66.98, hitting 29 boundaries and eight sixes—the highest tally in the series.
With his remarkable debut century and all-around contributions, Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a shining star, not just for this series but for India’s cricketing future.
