Nitish Kumar Reddy brought up his maiden Test century on the third day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Among the spectators was Mutyala Reddy, Nitish’s father, whose tears told a powerful story of years of hard work, sacrifice, and pride.
The camera kept turning towards Nitish’s father Mutyala as he inched closer and closer to the hundred-run mark. There were a few jitters before Nitish could reach his century. However, when Nitish finally raised his bat in celebration, Mutyala couldn’t hold back his tears.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Father in Tears After Son’s Maiden Century
Mutyala Reddy could not hold back his smile. “This day is special and we can never forget it,” Mutyala Reddy shared with broadcaster Adam Gilchrist. “He has been performing well since his age-group days, and now, to see him reach this milestone in international cricket, it’s a very special feeling.” His emotions were raw, especially when his son was on 99, with just one wicket remaining. “I was very tense. Thankfully, Siraj managed to survive,” he added.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has now become the first Indian batter to score a Test century at the Number 8 position in Australia. Additionally, this century made him one of the youngest Indians to achieve a Test century in Australia. He joins an elite group of cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant, who also accomplished this remarkable feat at a young age.
Nitish and Sundar Save India
But it wasn’t just about the century. His partnership with Washington Sundar (50) was crucial. The two added 127 runs for the 8th wicket, saving India from a follow-on. This partnership ranks as the second-highest 8th wicket stand by an Indian in Australia, just behind Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh’s 129-run stand.
Nitish’s achievement adds to a long list of memorable moments for India at MCG. He’s now the fifth Indian to score a century in the Boxing Day Test here. Virender Sehwag was the first to do it back in 2003, followed by Virat Kohli (169 in 2014) and Ajinkya Rahane (147 in the same match).
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