Melbourne: Nitish Kumar Reddy, the Indian cricketer, has become a superhero for his team during the Boxing Day Test against Australia, as he played an extraordinary inning, revitalising India’s innings with a century. His performance not only satisfied the viewers but also brought tears of joy to his father, Mutyala Reddy, who was proudly watching his son from the stands.
As Nitish raised his bat to mark his century at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the audience of 80,000 was clapping. The event was significant, and thus such an audience applauded calmly as a result. Mutyala Reddy, who was left speechless by the emotions, cried and thanked God for his son’s achievement, which he considered to be the result of years of struggle and perseverance.
Nitish’s century came when a critical point was reached, as India lost six wickets for just 191 runs and struggled to avoid the follow-on. Before the match, some had questioned his inclusion in the team, but he answered all the sceptics with a powerful demonstration of his skills and determination. Not only did his innings rebound critics, but it also silenced the doubts of his loved ones who had laughed at his cricketing aspirations before.
Mutyala Reddy had to make huge compromises for the success of his son’s cricketing career. He was employed at Hindustan Zinc but quit the job at the early stage to provide Nitish with free training and without any financial restraints. This decision led to enormous financial issues and admonishments from their kin, yet Mutyala’s wife supported him wholeheartedly throughout this harsh experience.
Nitish’s record-breaking innings comprised 105 runs with 171 balls faced, which included ten fours and a six. He became the first Indian batsman to slam a century while batting at number eight or lower in Australia. His cooperation with Washington Sundar was vital, as they built a major 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket, which was helpful in rescuing India from a dangerous position.
Not only did this century represent the first of Nitish’s in Test cricket, but it also set him up as one of the promising players of the Indian cricket team. The way he played has made comparisons with some of the greatest players and has brought in new records, setting his place in the future of the team solidly.
While battling against Australia in the series, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s outstanding accomplishment stands as a source of inspiration to young cricketers all over the country.