Nitish Kumar Reddy has become the talk of the cricketing world after his extraordinary performance in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The 21-year-old, batting at No. 8, smashed an unbeaten 105, rescuing India from a precarious position on Day 3. His maiden Test century has not only kept India in the match but also earned him a ₹25 lakh cash reward from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) for his outstanding contribution.

ACA Celebrates Reddy’s Achievement

ACA President Kesineni Sivanath expressed pride in Reddy’s achievement, saying, “It is a fortunate day and a proud moment for the Andhra Cricket Association. We are thrilled that a boy from Andhra has made such an impact in the Test format. As a token of our appreciation, we are awarding ₹25 lakh to Nitish Kumar Reddy.”

Reddy’s stunning innings on Day 3 of the Test made him the third-youngest Indian to score a Test century in Australia, behind Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant. Additionally, his 105* became the highest-ever score at the MCG by a batter at No. 8 or lower, surpassing the previous record of 104 set by Australia’s Reggie Duff in 1902.

Reddy’s resilient performance came at a crucial moment. With India struggling at 221/7, he formed a vital 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50), pushing India to 358/9 by the end of the day.

Cricketing Legends Praise Reddy

Sunil Gavaskar lauded the innings, calling it “one of the greatest knocks in India’s Test history.” Australian pacer Scott Boland also praised Reddy, saying, “He’s playing really nicely and putting pressure back on us. It looks like he’s got every shot in the book.”

India’s Battle at the MCG

Nitish Kumar Reddy century has provided India a fighting chance in the fourth Test, though Australia remains in a commanding position. His knock has not only brought hope to the team but also earned him recognition as a rising star in Indian cricket.