Nitish Kumar ReddyThe journey of this tour has been nothing short of incredible. At just 21 years old, the all-rounder came into the series as an outsider, with just 21 first-class matches to his name. Most of his remarkable performances have come in T20 cricket. But when the pressure of Test cricket was at its peak, Reddy rose to the occasion, smashing a brilliant century at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Reddy silenced all his doubters in style. “I know some people doubted me,” he said. “They thought a youngster like me, with IPL experience but not much else, couldn’t play in such a big series. I just want to prove them wrong and show that I am here to give 100% for the Indian team.
An unforgettable moment
On the third day, with over 80,000 fans roaring in the stands, Reddy etched his name in history. Facing Australia Scott Boland, he made a confident run down the field for four to conjure up his maiden Test century. His teammates burst into applause, but Reddy stayed put, recognizing his No. 11 partner, Mohammed Siraj, for his role in the milestone.
“The crowd went crazy when Siraj defended Cummins’ last three balls,” Reddy said with a laugh. “I think this moment was even louder than the celebration of my century! But I have to thank him. Without his courage, I would not have been able to reach my hundred.
Reddy also revealed how surreal it was to share the field with his idol, Virat Kohli. “I have been watching Virat since my childhood, I make him my inspiration, it is a dream to play alongside him. When he scored a century in Perth, I was on the non-striker’s side and I was so proud. For him to come and say, ‘You played really well and got the team back in the game,’ that’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.
Strategic Brilliance and Personal Growth
Nitish Kumar Reddy is one of the few Indian batters who managed to bowl well against Scott Boland. He constantly opposed him to disrupt his rhythm. “Boland’s consistency is his strength,” Reddy explained. “So I tried to move forward to adapt to his line and his length. This worked for me.
However, Reddy remains critical of his bowling efforts. With just three wickets in four Tests at an average of 49, he acknowledges there is room for improvement. “My goal was to be a versatile player. Right now I’m not happy with my bowling. I know I have to work harder to fulfill this role for the team.
The journey behind the glory
Reddy’s meteoric rise is not an overnight success. After his maiden IPL season, he identified the gaps in his game and used every available moment to sharpen his skills. “The work I have done over the last two or three years is now paying off. These were not short-term solutions; it was a long-term improvement,” he explained.
According to him, fitness is the basis of his success as an all-rounder. “I constantly pushed myself and it was worth it. This tour has been an incredible experience, but I am determined to continue growing and contributing more.
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