Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Father In Tears As His Son Smashes Maiden Test Hundred For India On Day 3 Of MCG Test

The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed an emotional rollercoaster on Day 3 of the fourth Test match between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. What began as another challenging day for India turned into a heartwarming chapter of perseverance and passion, thanks to a brilliant maiden century by Nitish Kumar Reddy.

While the young cricketer earned accolades for his stellar performance, it was the presence of his father, Mutyala Reddy, in the stands, and his emotional reaction that struck a chord with millions of viewers. This is not just a story of a cricketing milestone but a testament to the sacrifices and unwavering belief of a family determined to fulfill their son’s dream.

A Century Against the Odds

The day started with India reeling at 191/6, trailing significantly against Australia’s mammoth first-innings total of 474. With the top order failing yet again, the onus fell on the lower-middle order to rescue the innings. Enter Nitish Kumar Reddy, the 21-year-old all-rounder who had only recently cemented his place in the Indian Test team.

Partnering with Washington Sundar, Reddy displayed incredible composure and resilience. Together, the duo added 127 runs for the eighth wicket, breaking the long-standing Indian record for the highest eighth-wicket partnership in Test cricket, previously held by Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar.

Reddy’s innings wasn’t just about survival—it was a statement. Facing the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, he stood tall, weathering the storm with determination and technical finesse. His century came at a crucial juncture, sparing India the humiliation of a follow-on and keeping their hopes alive in the match.

A Nail-Biting Climb to the Milestone

As Reddy inched closer to the three-figure mark, the atmosphere at the MCG became electric. With every ball, the tension grew, especially after the dismissals of Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah, leaving Reddy with only tailender Mohammed Siraj for support.

When Siraj faced three testing deliveries from Cummins and managed to survive, the stage was set for Reddy to script history. On the very next ball, he drove a full-length delivery past mid-on for a boundary, marking his maiden international century. The on-drive wasn’t just a shot; it was an explosion of joy and relief, celebrated emphatically by Reddy as his teammates applauded from the pavilion.

A Father’s Emotional Moment

Among the spectators at the MCG, one figure stood out—Reddy’s father, Mutyala Reddy. As his son raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd, the cameras turned to Mutyala, capturing his tear-filled eyes and hands clasped in prayer. It was a moment of immense pride and validation for a father who had sacrificed everything for his son’s dreams.

Mutyala’s reaction resonated with fans across the world, symbolizing the silent sacrifices made by countless parents who nurture their children’s aspirations. His prayers, anxiety, and eventual joy painted a poignant picture of what the milestone meant—not just for Nitish but for the entire Reddy family.

A Journey of Sacrifice and Struggle

The story behind Nitish’s rise to stardom is as inspiring as his performance on the field. Born into a humble family from Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam, Nitish’s cricketing journey was marked by obstacles. His father, Mutyala, worked at Hindustan Zinc and faced a life-altering decision in 2012 when the company asked him to relocate to Udaipur.

Realizing that the move would derail Nitish’s budding cricket career, Mutyala made the bold choice to quit his job. This decision wasn’t easy; the family faced financial hardships but never wavered in their commitment to Nitish’s dreams. They stayed in a rented house, with Mutyala ensuring that his son had the best resources available to hone his skills.

Nitish’s humble beginnings also meant that he had to prove himself repeatedly. His early performances in domestic cricket caught the eye of selectors, earning him a spot in the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) under the leadership of Australian skipper Pat Cummins. His stint in the IPL sharpened his skills and prepared him for the challenges of international cricket.

The Record-Breaking Partnership

Nitish’s century was made possible through his partnership with Washington Sundar, who played a vital role in steadying the innings. Sundar’s patient 50 off 146 balls was the perfect complement to Reddy’s aggressive strokes. Together, they frustrated Australia’s bowlers, blunting their attack and creating a solid foundation.

Their partnership of 127 runs was not only a record but a demonstration of the depth and resilience in India’s batting lineup. For a team that has often struggled with its lower order, the Nitish-Sundar stand was a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential of India’s next generation of cricketers.

Australia’s Bowling Challenges

For Australia, the day was a test of their bowling strategies. Despite dismissing key Indian players early, the inability to break the Reddy-Sundar partnership highlighted the challenges of bowling on a flat MCG pitch. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc led the attack with determination, but the resilience of India’s eighth-wicket pair left them searching for answers.

Nathan Lyon, who had been Australia’s go-to bowler throughout the series, managed to dismiss Sundar, but by then, the damage had been done. Reddy’s brilliance overshadowed the Australian efforts, turning the day in India’s favor.

Looking Ahead: Day 4 and Beyond

As Day 3 ended with India at 358/9, trailing by 116 runs, the match remains finely poised. With just one wicket remaining, India’s tailenders will aim to narrow the deficit as much as possible, keeping their hopes alive for a draw or even an unlikely victory.

For Australia, the goal will be to wrap up the innings quickly and capitalize on their lead. The pitch at the MCG is beginning to show signs of wear, and Nathan Lyon could play a pivotal role in the fourth innings.

A Day to Remember

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden Test century is more than just a personal milestone—it is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and dreams fulfilled. From his father’s unwavering support to his historic partnership with Washington Sundar, the innings represents the very essence of cricket: perseverance in the face of adversity.

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy unfolds, this performance will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the series, not only for the records broken but for the emotions it evoked. Nitish Kumar Reddy has announced his arrival on the international stage, and the cricketing world will undoubtedly watch with anticipation as this young star continues to shine.

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