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.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his dissatisfaction with Virat Kohli following a fiery on-field confrontation during the opening day of the fourth Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. Kohli, known for his fiery demeanor, was involved in a clash with Australia’s young opener Sam Konstas early on Day 1. The incident took place during the ninth over of the day, when both players shoulder-barged each other. Kohli, visibly irritated, turned around to give Konstas an intense glare and exchanged words with the 19-year-old.

Despite the heated moment, the International Cricket Council (ICC) deemed the incident a Level 1 offence, resulting in a 20% fine of Kohli’s match fees instead of a suspension. This came after former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested that Kohli had been in the wrong. However, the 36-year-old star managed to avoid a more severe penalty.

Ravi Shastri, who had a close relationship with Kohli during his tenure as India’s head coach, weighed in on the matter. Speaking on Fox Cricket, Shastri called the clash “totally unnecessary,” adding, “You don’t want to see that. Virat’s a senior player, he’s been captain of the side, and while he’ll have his own explanations regarding that, it’s something you don’t want to see.”

Shastri further commented with a lighthearted remark about the situation, mentioning ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, who was overseeing the Boxing Day Test. Pycroft, marking his 100th Test match as a referee, will no doubt be keeping an eye on such incidents, Shastri joked.

Although Kohli was reprimanded with a fine, the incident was not the only time the Indian cricketer displayed frustration on Day 1. Later during the same day, a stump mic caught Kohli telling teammate Mohammed Siraj to “not smile while talking” to Australian players. This further highlighted Kohli’s animated mood throughout the match.

As for the match itself, Australia dominated Day 1, finishing with a strong total of 311/6 at stumps. All four of Australia’s top-order batsmen scored half-centuries, putting the hosts in a commanding position.

The clash between Kohli and Konstas, although minor in terms of penalties, has certainly grabbed attention, sparking conversations about the behavior of senior players on the field.