Great Knock By Nitish Kumar Reddy:
December 26, 2025, will forever be etched in the hearts of Indian cricket fans as the day a young Telugu sensation, Nitish Kumar Reddy, rose to the occasion and delivered a stunning century in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Making his debut in this iconic series, Nitish faced some of the world’s most fearsome bowlers and crafted an innings that was nothing short of sensational. His super century, studded with 10 fours and a six, not only enthralled the audience but also reignited Team India’s hopes in the series.
Moments Of The Day:
Ravi Shastri’s Tears of Joy
In the commentary box, Ravi Shastri—known for his passionate and fiery commentary—could not hold back his emotions. As Nitish Kumar Reddy reached the milestone, Shastri shed tears of joy, praising the young cricketer for his grit and determination. “This is what cricket is all about—dreams, hard work, and moments like these,” he exclaimed. Shastri’s emotional response further highlighted the significance of Nitish Kumar Reddy’s achievement.
The Telugu Tejam Stuns Australia
Nitish Kumar Reddy, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, left the Australian bowlers in complete disarray. His fearless stroke play and calm temperament made him an instant sensation. The crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) roared with excitement as Nitish inched closer to his century. Among the spectators were his proud parents, who were overwhelmed by their son’s incredible feat. In a touching moment after the match, they embraced him in the dressing room, showering him with kisses and blessings.
A Standing Ovation from Gavaskar
When Nitish Kumar Reddy drove a boundary to bring up his century, cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar stood up in the commentary box, clapping fervently. “This young man has a bright future ahead,” Gavaskar remarked. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s feat made him the third-youngest cricketer to score a century at the eighth position, joining the likes of Abul Hasan and Ajay Ratra.
A Father’s Sacrifice, A Son’s Tribute
Behind this historic century lies a story of sacrifice and perseverance. Mutyala Reddy, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father, resigned from his government job at Hindustan Zinc to support his son’s dream of becoming a cricketer. His selfless decision, made with just five years left for retirement, ensured Nitish had access to the best coaching and resources. This century was not just a personal achievement for Nitish but a tribute to his father’s unwavering belief and sacrifice.
MSK Prasad’s Pride in Telugu Talent
Former Indian cricketer MSK Prasad, who has known Nitish since he was 11, expressed his pride at this monumental achievement. “Nitish’s journey has been one of hard work and determination. His father’s sacrifices and Nitish’s dedication have paid off,” Prasad said. The century was a testament to the relentless efforts of the young cricketer and his family.
Siraj’s Selfless Support
In the final moments before Nitish’s century, pacer Mohammed Siraj played a crucial role. Defending on the last ball of an over, Siraj ensured Nitish retained the strike while on 99 runs. The crowd erupted with applause, chanting “Thank you, Siraj!” as the camaraderie between teammates shone brightly on the field.
A Day to Remember
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s century in the Boxing Day Test is more than just a sporting milestone—it is a story of dreams, sacrifices, and unwavering determination. From the standing ovation by legends to the emotional tears of Ravi Shastri and his parents’ pride, this day will forever be celebrated as a defining moment in Indian cricket.
As cricket fans, we salute Nitish and his family for inspiring millions with their incredible journey. Here’s to more centuries and countless memories from this rising star!
Early Life and Career
- Birth: Nitish Kumar Reddy was born on 26 May 2003, in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to Mutyala Reddy, a former Hindustan Zinc employee.
- Cricket Start: Began playing cricket at age 5 with a plastic bat and regularly watched matches at the Hindustan Zinc grounds.
- Father’s Support: His father quit his job to support Nitish’s cricketing aspirations and avoid the challenges of cricket politics in Udaipur.
- Training: Initially trained at VDCA camps under Kumara Swamy, Krishna Rao, and Watekar.
- Breakthrough: Spotted by MSK Prasad during Under-12 and Under-14 matches and trained at the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) academy.
- Vijay Merchant Trophy (2017-18): Scored a record 441 runs in a single match and 1237 runs overall, earning him the BCCI Jagmohan Dalmiya award for Best Cricketer in the Under-16 category.
IPL Career
- 2023 IPL Auction: Bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹20 Lakh but played only two matches.
- 2024 IPL Season:
- Scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 142 and took 3 wickets.
- Won the Emerging Player of the Year Award.
- 2025 Retention: Retained by SRH for ₹6 Crores.
International Career
- T20I Debut: Made debut on 6 October 2024 against Bangladesh, scoring 16 runs.
- Breakthrough Performance: In the second match of the series, scored 74 runs off 35 balls and took 2/23, earning the Player of the Match award.
- Test Debut: Made his debut on 22 November 2024 in Perth during the Border–Gavaskar Trophy.
- Consistent performances in the series with crucial runs across multiple innings.
- Scored his maiden Test century during the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne under challenging conditions, showcasing his all-rounder capabilities.
