Nitish Kumar Reddy made the world take notice when he smashed his first international century against Australia on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test. Nitish Kumar Reddy made the world take notice when he smashed his first international century against Australia on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test. The 21-year-old walked out to the middle with the visitors in a spot of bother at 191/6, still trailing by 283 runs. But playing just his 4th Test, Reddy showed nerves of steel to register a fantastic ton against all odds versus the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland.
Many individuals played a key role in Reddy’s life to help him get where he is, including MSK Prasad. The former India wicketkeeper and chairman of the BCCI selection committee, Prasad discovered Reddy almost ten years ago. In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Prasad couldn’t hold back his emotions, falling short of words after seeing the youngster bail India out of trouble.
“I think I’m falling short of words. I’m a little emotional right now after seeing Nitesh doing so well for Team India, especially the situation that we were in, and the way he steered the team during the tough times. I think I’m feeling, first of all, really emotional and then very proud,” said MSK Prasad.
Reddy found support in Washington Sundar, and the duo put on 127 runs for the eighth wicket. Nitish Kumar Reddy could have been stranded on 99 after Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah were dismissed in quick succession, but the youngster maintained composure and lofted Scott Boland down the ground to complete a dream hundred, leaving his father in the stands teary-eyed.
“I have no words to express my happiness. See the levels that he has elevated. Before coming into this series, he played a few first-class games. But compared to his stats, how he enhanced or elevated his performance, especially to this level, is unbelievable. Getting a Test century is that too against four quality bowlers,” Prasad added.
“Three fast bowlers and a quality spinner. Getting that with such ease and comfort is unbelievable. I think he stepped up to the occasion. Many players have done extremely well in domestic cricket but failed to succeed at the international level. But he is absolutely contrary to that. He has raised his level and made a mark.”
