Nitish Kumar ReddyThe trip on this tour was nothing short of amazing. At just 21 years of age, the all-rounder entered the series as an underdog, with just 21 first-class games to his name. Most of his outstanding performances were in T20 cricket. But when the pressure of Test cricket reached its peak, Reddy rose to the occasion, smashing a stunning century at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Reddy silenced all his doubters with his style. “I know some people doubted me,” he said. “They thought that a young guy like me, who has IPL experience but nothing else, will not be able to perform in such a big series. I just want to prove them wrong and show that I am here to give my 100% for the Indian team.”
A moment to remember
On the third day, with more than 80,000 fans in the stands, Reddy etched his name in history. Confrontation Australia Scott Boland, took a confident drive down the ground for four to bring home his maiden Test century. His teammates burst into applause, but Reddy remained steadfast, acknowledging his No. 11 partner, Mohamed Siraj, for his role in the feat.
“The crowd went crazy when Siraj defended Cummins' last three balls,” Reddy recounted with a laugh. “I think that moment was higher than my century celebration! But I have to thank him. If it wasn't for his insistence, I wouldn't have been able to reach the hundred.”
Reddy also revealed how surreal it was to share the pitch with his idol, Virat Kohli. “Watching Virat since childhood, which made him an inspiration to me, it's a dream to play alongside him. When he scored a century in Perth, I was at the non-striker's end, and I feel very proud. For him to come and say: 'I played really well and got the team back.' To the match, this is a moment I will cherish forever.
Strategic brilliance and personal growth
Nitish Kumar Reddy is one of the few Indian batsmen who has managed to play Scott Boland well. He was constantly coming out against 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 length. It worked for me.”
However, Reddy was still critical of his bowling efforts. With just three wickets in four Tests at an average of 49, he admits there is room for improvement. “My goal was to become an all-rounder. Right now, I'm not happy with bowling. I know I need to work harder to fill that role in the team.”
The journey beyond glory
Reddy's meteoric rise was not an overnight success. After his first season in the Indian Premier League, he identified the gaps in his game and used every available moment to improve his skills. “The work I put in over the last two or three years is paying off now. It wasn't about short-term fixes; it was about long-term improvement.
He believes physical fitness is the backbone of his success as an all-around player. “I've been constantly pushing myself, and it's been worth it. This tour has been an amazing experience, but I'm determined to keep growing and contributing even more.
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