Ian Bishop on Nitish Kumar Reddy: Nitish Kumar Reddy put all the doubts to rest by playing a brilliant unbeaten inning of 105 runs. He steadied India’s position with a brilliant half-century from Washington Sundar on the third day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. After Sundar was included in place of Shubman Gill, many questioned his inclusion, but Reddy’s brilliant batting took India to 358/9 at the end of the day and reduced Australia’s first innings margin to 116. Reduced on runs.
Apart from many Indians praising the 21-year-old player, cricket legends also took to social media to congratulate him for cementing his place in the team. Former India head coaches Ravi Shastri and Wasim Jaffer credited the courage and determination of Reddy, who made a comeback for India and also scored his maiden Test century. Shastri wrote on X, “This is an innings that everyone will remember. This kind of character displayed by a 21-year-old player under pressure brings tears to everyone’s eyes. Pure gold. Well played young man. God bless. “
An innings to remember by one and all. For a 21 year old to exhibit that kind of character under pressure brought tears to one’s eyes. Pure Gold. Well played young man. God bless. #NKR #TeamIndia #AusvsIND pic.twitter.com/3qL9Ve2Nwh
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) December 28, 2024
“This youngster continues to impress,” Jaffer posted on “Played very well.”
This young man just continues to impress. His compact technique, gutsy attitude and most importantly the way he puts a price on his wicket are all impressive attributes of a fine Test batter in the making. Very well played 👏🏻👏🏻 #AUSvIND #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/vIZyVyM2UJ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 28, 2024
Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop credited the youngster for playing an anchoring innings and made special mention of his personal story of coming from a humble background involving “abandonment” by his parents. “This is a Test century of high quality and technical skill from 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy. Released the ball expertly and attacked when needed. Another heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices made by parents in Indian cricket,” Bishop wrote on Twitter. Touching story.”
That’s a test century of high quality and technical skill from 21 yr old Nitish Kumar Reddy. Left the ball expertly, & attacked when needed. Another deeply moving story of parental sacrifice in Indian cricket.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 28, 2024
India’s veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami also congratulated Reddy for registering his first three-figure score in the red ball format. Shami wrote on X, “Congratulations to Nitish Kumar Reddy on scoring his maiden century. This remarkable achievement reflects hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing more successes in your career. Keep inspiring us all. “
Congratulations to Nitish Kumar Reddy on scoring his first century. This remarkable achievement reflects hard work and dedication. We look forward to witnessing more successes in your career. Keep inspiring us all. pic.twitter.com/fjhe7iN8T9
— @MdShami11 December 28, 2024
Among the many stories surrounding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, perhaps the most heart-touching one has been that of Reddy and his father Mutyala, who had a front-row seat to see their dream come true. When Nitish fired away Scott Boland’s ball with a lofted shot over mid-on, the cameras turned to an excited and emotional Mutyala, who took a break from his government job to ensure his son fulfills his dreams. Took premature retirement.