December 28, 2024: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has showered praise on Nitish Kumar Reddy for his remarkable unbeaten 105 against Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the MCG. In a tweet that highlighted Reddy’s growing stature in international cricket, Tendulkar acknowledged the young batter’s composure, temperament, and his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations.
Tendulkar’s tweet read: “A knock to remember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test and his composure and temperament have been on display right through. Today he took it a notch higher to play a crucial innings in this series. Wonderfully and ably supported by @Sundarwashi5 as well. Well played!”
This recognition from the Master Blaster himself underscores the significance of Reddy’s innings in keeping India in the contest. The 21-year-old, who has impressed since his Test debut, showed remarkable maturity in his innings, playing crucial shots when the team needed it the most. His knock was instrumental in India avoiding the follow-on, with India still trailing by 116 runs at the close of Day 3.
Reddy was involved in a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, whose resilient knock of 50 off 162 balls provided the perfect foil to Reddy’s aggressive yet composed approach. Their eighth-wicket stand has not only helped India recover from a precarious position but also brought the team back into contention.
Reddy’s century, which came off 171 balls, made him the third youngest Indian to score a maiden Test century in Australia, after Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant. The historic achievement adds to Reddy’s growing reputation, as he joins an elite group of Indian cricketers to have accomplished this feat on Australian soil.
Reddy’s innings was not just about the runs; it was about the temperament, the ability to play under pressure, and the poise to handle the immense stakes of a Test match. Tendulkar’s praise for the youngster’s character and growth, as well as for Sundar’s contribution, further emphasizes the importance of this partnership in India’s fightback.
As India prepares to resume their innings on Day 4, Reddy’s efforts have given the team hope, with two days remaining and still a chance to force a favorable result. The young all-rounder will be looking to carry on his good form, supported by Mohammed Siraj, as India aims to continue their fight in this thrilling Border-Gavaskar Test.
