Nitish Kumar Reddy Creates History at Melbourne
Nitish Kumar Reddy, India’s rising all-rounder, has etched his name in history by scoring his maiden Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). At just 21 years and 214 days old, Nitish delivered a remarkable batting performance during the fourth test series match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, earning accolades from cricket fans worldwide.
Outstanding Performance in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The fourth Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia is underway at the MCG.
- On Day 3 (December 28), Nitish Kumar Reddy showcased a stellar performance, scoring his maiden Test century. He achieved the feat in 171 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and one six.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Creates History at Melbourne
First Indian to Score a Test Century at No. 8 in Australia
Batting at No. 8, Nitish became the first Indian player to score a Test century in Australia at this position.
- Remaining unbeaten on 105 runs, his courageous knock not only saved India from a follow-on but also significantly reduced Australia’s first-innings total of 474 runs.
Partnership with Washington Sundar
When Nitish came to the crease, India was struggling at 191/6 with the follow-on looming.
- However, his fearless innings, combined with a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar for the eighth wicket, helped the team recover from the crisis.
Record for Most Sixes in a Single Test Series in Australia
With eight sixes in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Nitish has equaled the record for the most sixes by a visiting batter in a single Test series in Australia. He now shares this record with England’s Michael Vaughan (2002-03 Ashes) and West Indies’ Chris Gayle (2009).
A Feat Achieved After 76 Years
Nitish Kumar Reddy is only the second Indian to score a Test century at the MCG.
- The first Indian to achieve this was the legendary Vinoo Mankad, who accomplished the feat in 1948.
First Player Since JP Duminy to Score Maiden Century at MCG
Nitish is the first player since South Africa’s JP Duminy in 2008 to score a maiden Test century at the MCG.
Third Youngest Indian to Score a Century in Australia
At 21 years and 141 days, Nitish is now the third-youngest Indian to score a Test century in Australia.
- Only Sachin Tendulkar (18 years 253 days) and Rishabh Pant (21 years 91 days) were younger when they achieved this milestone.
Humble Beginnings and Family Support
Nitish’s journey to international cricket is a testament to his hard work and his family’s unwavering support. Born on May 26, 2003, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Nitish comes from a modest family.
- His father, Mutyala Reddy, worked at Hindustan Zinc Company but recognized Nitish’s cricketing talent early on.
- Nitish began playing cricket with a plastic bat at the age of 5.
- To support Nitish’s budding career, his father made the bold decision to quit his job when Nitish was 12-13 years old.
- His mother took over the household responsibilities, allowing his father to focus entirely on nurturing Nitish’s talent.
From Domestic Cricket to IPL and International Fame
Nitish made his Ranji Trophy debut for Andhra Pradesh in 2020 against Kerala, impressing with his wicketkeeping and batting skills.
- His consistent performances in age-group cricket caught the attention of Indian selector MSK Prasad, who facilitated his training at the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) Academy.
In 2024, Nitish was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL for his base price of ₹20 lakh, further cementing his place as a promising talent.
Overcoming Criticism and Challenges
Nitish’s family faced criticism from society for prioritizing his cricketing dreams over stability. However, their unwavering support, combined with the guidance of his coaches, helped him rise above these challenges.
Net Worth and Legacy
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s current net worth is estimated to be between ₹10 lakh and ₹50 lakh. His story is a powerful example of how dedication, family support, and hard work can turn dreams into reality, even in the face of adversity.
Nitish’s historic century at Melbourne is not just a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Indian cricket, inspiring countless aspiring cricketers across the nation.
