New Delhi: Nitish Kumar Reddy made headlines by scoring his first-ever Test fifty on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. On December 28, he celebrated reaching this milestone, managing to get to his half-century off just 81 balls while handling tough conditions that India faced.
At just 21 years old, Reddy has shown impressive form during the series, providing crucial runs in earlier matches. He had notable performances with scores of 41 and an unbeaten 38 in the Perth Test, along with a solid 42 in the Day-Night warm-up match at Manuka Oval. Even though India didn’t win the Adelaide Test, Reddy’s consecutive scores of 42 demonstrated his determination and talent.
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The shot, the celebration – everything was perfect as #NitishKumarReddy completed his maiden Test fifty! #AUSvINDOnStar 4th Test, Day 3 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/hupun4pq2N
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 28, 2024
To commemorate his memorable achievement, Reddy paid homage to popular culture by mimicking a well-known move from the blockbuster Telugu film ‘Pushpa,’ which has been a huge success at the box office. This celebration highlights not just his excitement but also his connection to his heritage and the cultural significance of the film.
With this performance, Reddy has positioned himself among the legends of Indian cricket, joining Anil Kumble as one of the rare No.8 batsmen to notch half-centuries in Australia. This accomplishment places him in the company of renowned players like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin, further establishing his legacy in the sport.
Reddy’s journey to the spotlight began with a standout performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2024, where he accumulated 303 runs over 13 matches. His consistent ability to deliver at the highest level for India is a testament to his effort and dedication, marking him as a promising player to keep an eye on in the future.
