Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has lavished praise on Nitish Kumar Reddy, calling him one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket. Reddy, 21, has been making waves in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver in crucial moments.
Heroics in the Melbourne Test
In the recently concluded Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), India suffered a 184-run defeat, but Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden century in the first innings stood out as a beacon of hope. Batting at No. 8, Reddy scored a remarkable 114 runs, helping India reduce the deficit and demonstrating his immense potential. His father, Mutyalu Reddy, was present in the stands to witness the historic moment, making it even more special for the young cricketer.
Gavaskar’s High Praise
Impressed by Reddy’s performances, Gavaskar penned his thoughts in a column for Sportstar. “The Melbourne Test showcased one of the brightest young stars in Indian cricket, Nitish Kumar Reddy,” Gavaskar wrote. He highlighted Reddy’s transition from IPL performances with the Hyderabad franchise to the Test arena, crediting selectors like Ajit Agarkar for recognizing his talent despite limited first-class experience.
“In his debut Test match in Perth, he displayed a great ability to read situations and adapt his game accordingly. With each subsequent match, he has only solidified his reputation as a player with a sharp cricketing mind,” Gavaskar added.
Better Than Pandya at the Same Stage
Reddy’s performance in Melbourne has drawn comparisons to Hardik Pandya, with Gavaskar noting that Reddy’s batting is superior to Pandya’s during his early years with Team India. “Ever since Hardik Pandya became unavailable for Test cricket, India has been searching for a capable all-rounder. While Reddy’s bowling is still a work in progress, his batting is undoubtedly better than Pandya’s at a similar stage in his career,” Gavaskar opined.
Promising Numbers in the Series
Reddy has been a vital contributor in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, amassing 294 runs across four matches and taking three wickets. Earlier in the series, he played crucial 40-run innings in both Perth and Adelaide, solidifying his role as a dependable lower-order batter.
Room for Improvement in Bowling
While Reddy’s batting has been exceptional, his bowling remains an area that needs development. Gavaskar believes enhancing his medium-pace bowling will help Reddy evolve into a true match-winning all-rounder for India.
A Future Star
Gavaskar’s admiration for Reddy was further evident when the cricketer’s father, Mutyalu Reddy, met the legendary former captain and touched his feet as a gesture of respect. With his consistent performances and the backing of cricketing greats, Nitish Kumar Reddy looks poised to cement his place in the Indian team for years to come.
