Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has harshly criticized Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma following his recent performance and leadership during the ongoing 4th Test match against Australia. Prasad’s comments came during Day 2 of the match, where Rohit, once again, failed to score big, managing only three runs before being dismissed by Australian captain Pat Cummins for the fifth time in his Test career.

Rohit’s early exit from India’s first innings added to the mounting criticism surrounding his form. As India faces Australia in this pivotal Test series, the team has been dealing with issues stemming from recent performances, including a dismal series loss to New Zealand. Prasad, who served as BCCI’s chief selector from 2016 to 2020, did not hold back in his assessment of both Rohit’s batting and his leadership.

“The series against New Zealand was absolutely pathetic. It was unprecedented in Indian cricket history that we lost three consecutive games,” Prasad said, reflecting on India’s recent setbacks. He continued to criticize Rohit, noting his lack of runs during that series, stating, “Rohit had absolutely no runs, and when he came into this series against Australia, he was coming off a series of failures.”

Prasad also pointed out the impact of Rohit’s lack of match practice leading up to the series, suggesting that his poor form negatively affected his leadership and overall performance. “If he comes in with some form, it directly impacts the team. But he has arrived after a series of failures, and this is reflected in the way he has led the side,” Prasad said.

Further commenting on Rohit’s captaincy, Prasad highlighted his lack of proactivity, referencing a key moment in the match where bowlers Siraj and Bumrah were bowled in tandem for 11 consecutive overs while Australian batter Sam Konstas was aggressively scoring. “He has been struggling both with his form and his captaincy,” Prasad added.

Meanwhile, on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia’s Steve Smith scored a crucial century, contributing significantly to his team’s total. Smith formed a vital 112-run partnership with Pat Cummins, who made 49 runs off 63 balls. Australia ended the first session at 454/7. Smith eventually fell for 140, and the hosts were bowled out for 474 runs in their first innings.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 99 runs. Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar also contributed with the ball, taking three, two, and one wickets, respectively.

In India’s first innings, they appeared to be in a strong position at 150/2, thanks to an impressive partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82 runs from 118 balls) and Virat Kohli (36 runs from 86 balls). However, quick wickets from Scott Boland, who took 2 wickets for 24 runs, saw India reduced to 164/5 by the end of Day 2.

As the Test match progresses, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma’s performance and his ability to bounce back from the ongoing criticisms both as a player and captain.

Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy made a significant mark in his young career by scoring his maiden century in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The 21-year-old rising star’s impressive knock has captured the attention of fans and experts alike, as social media erupted with praise following his performance.

Reddy’s moment came when he walked into bat during India’s challenging innings, with the team trailing Australia by a substantial 250 runs. At 221 for 7, the situation was grim for the visitors, but Reddy showed remarkable resilience and composure. Despite the pressure, he held his ground and remained unbeaten as play was halted due to rain, taking India to 358 for 9 at the end of the day.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quick to congratulate Reddy on his achievement, sharing an update that read, “फायर नहीं वाइल्डफायर है! Nitish Kumar Reddy gets to his maiden CENTURY and what a stage to get it on! He is now the leading run-scorer for India in the ongoing BGT.”

Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer also expressed his admiration, praising Reddy’s compact technique and gritty attitude. Jaffer wrote, “This young man just continues to impress. His compact technique, gutsy attitude, and most importantly, the way he puts a price on his wicket are all impressive attributes of a fine Test batter in the making. Very well played #AUSvIND #NitishKumarReddy.”

Cricketer Irfan Pathan, too, was effusive in his praise, sharing a photo of Reddy’s stylish drive along with a message that read, “On public demand, this is for Nitish Kumar Reddy. Well played, youngster, so proud of you.”

At the end of Day 2, India stood at 358 for 9, with the rain delay bringing an early end to the day’s play. Australia, however, still holds a 116-run lead in the match. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams eager to gain an advantage in this crucial Test match.

Reddy’s performance has certainly added excitement to the ongoing series and further solidified his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket.

The third day of the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ended early due to persistent rain, but not before India’s Nitish Reddy etched his name into the record books. The 21-year-old debutant smashed his maiden international century, scoring an unbeaten 105 off 176 balls, and built a game-changing 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Washington Sundar (50).

Walking in at a precarious position with India reeling at 191 for six, Reddy’s composed knock was pivotal in helping the visitors avoid the follow-on. At stumps, India were 358/9, trailing Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 474 by 116 runs.

Reddy’s brilliance amid adversity

Nitish Reddy’s performance stood out not just for its technical finesse but also for the circumstances under which it was delivered. After India’s top-order collapsed on Day 2, the team’s hopes rested on the lower order. Reddy, alongside Sundar, rose to the occasion, showcasing maturity beyond his years.

For Australia, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc claimed three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon took two crucial scalps. Despite their bowling depth, the hosts were frustrated by Reddy’s resilience and Sundar’s valuable half-century.

Rain disrupts proceedings

Rain interrupted play multiple times throughout the day, with the final session being abandoned altogether. Covers remained firmly in place as heavy downpours made any resumption of play impossible.

A proud moment for the Reddy family

Nitish Reddy’s father expressed his emotions in a post-match interview with former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist. “For our family, this is an unforgettable day. He has been performing well since his early teens, and to see him achieve this milestone on the international stage is special,” he said. Reflecting on Reddy’s nervous 99, he added, “I was very tense, knowing it was the last wicket remaining.”

India’s battle ahead

With just one wicket in hand, the challenge for India on Day 4 will be to narrow the deficit and put pressure on the Australians in the second innings. Mohammed Siraj, unbeaten on two, will look to support Reddy as India aims to extend their innings.

As the Test series heads toward its climax, Reddy’s remarkable century offers hope for a spirited Indian fightback, despite the host’s dominant position.