Rising Indian star Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a remarkable performance on day three of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia, silencing his critics with his maiden Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 28.
The 21-year-old showed his talent and composure under pressure, remaining unbeaten with 105 points. Nitish Kumar Reddy's brilliant knock was instrumental in India reaching 385/9 at stumps on day three in response to Australia's first innings total of 474 in the ongoing Boxing Day Test.
Nitish Kumar Reddy's stunning century silences critics with his style at the MCG
He also shared a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who bowled a brave fifty in Melbourne. Sundar Reddy's stand for the eighth wicket helped stabilize India's innings after a shaky start and gave the visitors a fighting chance in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.
The record-breaking century carries greater significance for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been impressive since his first Test with the bat, as it came in the wake of criticism from former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who questioned his place in the India team.
Can we get 120 from someone who hits no? 8? Sanjay Manjrekar questions Reddy's ability
Before the start of the Boxing Day Test, Sanjay Manjrekar expressed doubts about considering Reddy as an all-rounder, as he felt it was too early to classify him. However, Reddy's exceptional performance at the MCG proved his mettle and justified his inclusion in the playing XI.
“Look, there is no doubt about the potential he has and how well he is playing. But can we get 120 from someone who is not batting 8? Obviously, he is not a player who can take a seven-wicket haul like Shardul,” Sanjay Manjrekar said during an interaction on ESPNcricinfo. Thakur. Is he, at this point, good enough to be moved up the order and play as a pure batsman by dropping someone out of his league and then you add an extra bowl to him not good enough to play with? As an all-rounder it is too early to consider him as an all-rounder.
PUMA trolls Sanjay Manjrekar while Nitish Kumar Reddy's knock speaks louder than words
Now, after his stunning maiden Test century at the MCG, PUMA has decided to give Sanjay Manjrekar a taste of his own medicine for publicly downplaying Nitish Kumar Reddy and questioning his place in the Test XI.
It is worth noting that Reddy is sponsored by PUMA, and the brand did not miss the opportunity to support its star player, but it is very cool to retaliate. On social media platform
PUMA posted a picture from an official photo shoot where Nitish Reddy was seen making a 'gagging' gesture to take a brutal dig at Manjrekar after a stunning all-round century that silenced many critics.
https://t.co/JlrL7DXTFf pic.twitter.com/MhCQ0ZBc7L
— Puma Cricket (@pumacricket) December 28, 2024
Notably, the Indian selectors made a bold decision to pick Reddy, who averaged 21 after 21 first-class matches, for the high-profile 2024-25 BGT, but he justified his selection with his impressive performance in his maiden Test series. He is currently India's leading run-scorer in the ongoing five-match Test series with 284 runs in four innings so far.
