Nitish Reddy silences critics with a stunning century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Nitish Reddy’s century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has firmly established him as a rising star in Indian cricket. The 21-year-old showcased his resilience and skill with a gritty knock of 114 runs, propelling India to a competitive first-innings total of 369. With 293 runs in six innings at an average exceeding 58, Reddy has silenced doubters who questioned his ability to succeed in Test cricket, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
A performance to answer the critics
After the fourth day’s play, Reddy spoke candidly about the skepticism surrounding his selection. “Some people doubted me, saying a youngster from the IPL can’t perform in such a big series,” he admitted. “I just want to prove them wrong. I want people to know I’m here to give 100% for the Indian team.” Reddy emphasized that his achievements were the result of years of hard work and preparation, not an overnight success.
“For you guys, it might seem like one or two months, but for me, it’s about the last two to three years. I’ve worked hard on my batting and bowling during that time,” he said.
Preparation and dedication paying off
Ahead of the 2024 IPL season, Reddy made significant efforts to elevate his game, including practicing against deliveries at speeds of up to 145 km/h with the help of side-arm throwdown experts. Reflecting on this, he said, “After my first IPL season, I realized the areas I needed to improve in my batting. During the off-season, I worked extensively, and those efforts are paying off now.”
A tribute to family and mentors
Reddy shared an emotional tribute to his father, Mutyalu, who played a pivotal role in his cricketing journey. “My father resigned from his central government job to support me. He was the first person who believed in me and has always been there—taking me to practice, to the gym. I’m so grateful to have a father like him,” Reddy said, dedicating his century to his father.
A lifelong admirer of Virat Kohli, Reddy cherished the standing ovation he received from the former Indian captain. “When Kohli scored a century in Perth, I was at the non-striker’s end. Now, I scored a century, and he appreciated me. He told me I got the team back in the game. That’s the best moment for me,” he beamed.
Looking ahead with confidence
As Team India prepares for the final day of the Test match, Reddy remains optimistic despite the opposition retaining one wicket. “First, we need to take their last wicket. Then, we’ll rectify our mistakes from the first innings,” he said with determination. Nitish Reddy’s performance has not only proven his critics wrong but also signaled the arrival of a promising new star in Indian cricket.
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