Trisha Ghosal in Melbourne
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was hanging by a thread. At 191/6, India’s dreams of retaining the trophy and staying alive in the race for the World Test Championship final seemed to be fading fast. The pressure was immense — not just on the team but particularly on Nitish Kumar Reddy, who walked in with the weight of a million expectations on his young shoulders.
This wasn’t just another Test innings; this was a battle of resilience, belief and character. Shubman Gill had been dropped to accommodate Reddy and Washington Sundar, with the management backing them as all-rounders. But with Reddy the bowler trusted for just five overs, it was clear that the team had placed its faith in Reddy the batter.
And boy, did he deliver.
Having already shown glimpses of his talent with two fearless 40s in previous matches, including a jaw-dropping reverse scoop six off Scott Boland in Adelaide, Reddy stepped up when it mattered most. With a hostile Australian crowd and media adding to the pressure, he began his innings with a resolute forward defence to Boland — a quiet start to what would become an unforgettable knock.
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This innings was a masterclass in grit and determination. Mixing caution with aggression, Reddy fought through tough spells, leaving deliveries when needed and cashing in on every scoring opportunity. Luck played its part, as it often does in cricket, but it favoured the brave. Supported aptly by Washington Sundar at the other end, Reddy chipped away at Australia’s lead, one run at a time.
The Australians threw everything they had at him — Boland, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc’s relentless precision, Nathan Lyon’s cunning spin, and they even had to bring in Travis Head’s part-time spin. Yet, Reddy stood tall, embodying the spirit of Indian cricket: resilient, fearless, and relentless.
When he reached his century, the celebration was as iconic as the innings itself. After his now-famous “Pushpa” half-century celebration, Reddy unleashed a “Salaar” salute, drawing cheers from the Indian fans in the stands and smiles from his teammates in the dressing room. It was a moment that signalled not just survival but triumph.
Reddy’s innings has firmly established him as a player who belongs on the international stage. While Reddy’s batting is already turning heads, his bowling could make him the complete package. If he can add 4-5 kmph to his pace, he could become India’s answer to Ben Stokes — an all-rounder capable of changing games with both bat and ball when they travel to England for a five-Test series next year.
For now, though, let’s savour this special innings. Nitish Kumar Reddy has brought hope, passion, and pride back to a team under siege. As the great saying goes, “Cometh the hour, cometh the man.” On this day, Reddy was that man.
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