Nitish Kumar Reddy, the 21-year-old sensation, is earning accolades for his remarkable performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Known for his ability to handle high-pressure situations, the young cricketer has quickly become India's go-to man in challenging scenarios.
In the recently concluded Melbourne Test, which India lost by 184 runs, Nitish showcased his batting prowess by scoring his maiden Test century, a knock that has left cricketing legends, including Sunil Gavaskar, thoroughly impressed.
GAVASKAR’S HIGH PRAISE FOR REDDY
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Reddy, labeling him as one of the "brightest young stars in Indian cricket." He even compared Reddy to Hardik Pandya, asserting that Reddy’s batting at this stage is superior to Pandya’s when he began his international career.
“The Melbourne Test brought to the fore one of the brightest young stars in Indian cricket, Nitish Kumar Reddy,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. “He caught the attention of Indian fans through his performances in the IPL for Hyderabad, and while his first-class record wasn’t extraordinary, credit goes to Ajit Agarkar and the selectors for backing his potential and giving him a chance in Test cricket.”
A CENTURY TO REMEMBER
Batting at No. 8, Reddy’s stunning 114-run innings in the first innings of the Melbourne Test helped India reduce the deficit and stay in the game. The presence of his father, Mutyalu Reddy, at the MCG made the moment even more memorable.
“This century against the likes of Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland is proof of Reddy’s temperament and skill. It’s no surprise that he has cemented his place in the team with this innings,” Gavaskar noted.
RISING THROUGH CHALLENGES
Reddy’s contributions weren’t limited to Melbourne. He had earlier played crucial knocks of 40 runs each in Perth and Adelaide, showcasing his consistency under pressure. Gavaskar also highlighted Reddy’s ability to read match situations and adapt accordingly, calling him a player with a “good cricketing head.”
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
While Reddy’s batting has drawn widespread praise, Gavaskar pointed out that his bowling remains a work in progress. With just three wickets in the series, Reddy has yet to deliver significant contributions with the ball. Gavaskar emphasized that developing his medium-pace bowling could transform him into a true match-winning all-rounder for India.
“Ever since Hardik Pandya’s unavailability for Test cricket, India has been searching for a pace-bowling all-rounder. Reddy’s bowling still needs improvement, but as a batter, he is definitely better than Pandya was at the same stage of his career,” Gavaskar added.
A MEMORABLE MEETING
Adding a personal touch to the story, Nitish’s father, Mutyalu Reddy, met Sunil Gavaskar the day after his son’s memorable century. The emotional moment saw Mutyalu touch Gavaskar’s feet, expressing gratitude for the legend’s encouraging words.
PROMISING START TO A BRIGHT FUTURE
In four Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Nitish Kumar Reddy has amassed 294 runs and taken three wickets. His performances have not only solidified his place in the Indian Test team but also sparked hopes of him becoming the all-rounder India has been seeking.
With immense talent and determination, Reddy appears to be a star in the making, ready to carry the legacy of Indian cricket forward.
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