NEWS
Follow UsNitish Kumar Reddy is the new rising star of Indian cricket, and the youngster has impressed fans and experts alike. When he scored his maiden Test century in the fourth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, almost 87,000 people at the Melbourne Cricket Ground stood up and applauded his valiant efforts with the bat.
Speaking to the media after Day 4, Reddy seemed quite elated with his batting that helped his team out of a tricky situation.
“I’m very happy. It was a special moment for me,” Reddy said.
“I helped my team in a difficult situation. That was a special century for me and for my father as well.”
Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj was at the other end when Reddy brought up his century. He had to survive a few deliveries from Pat Cummins before Reddy could return on strike to complete his ton. Reddy was comically surprised that Siraj’s defence got the crowd noisier than his accolade.
“Yeah, the crowd went crazy after Siraj’s defence,” Reddy added with a smile.
“They were louder than my century also I guess, but I really love the way Siraj approached the three balls. I thank him for helping me make me reach my century.”
While he was bringing up his century, the cameras kept repeatedly panning to his father in the crowd, who helped Reddy reach where he is today.
“My father had 25 years of service in central government, and when I was nothing like I hadn’t even played a state game, the first person who believed in me was my father,” Reddy said, talking about his father's sacrifices for his career.
“He believed in me, and he resigned from his job to take me to the ground and gym and take care of whatever I wanted. He wants to be with me. He made a lot of sacrifices. If I have to tell them all, the time won’t be sufficient. But I’m so grateful to have a father like him.”
It’s no secret now that Reddy idolises Virat Kohli. The young all-rounder was on the non-striker’s end when Kohli brought up his century in Perth. Now, when Reddy helped the team out of a precarious situation, Kohli was the one to appreciate the steel and skill shown by the 21-year-old.
“I've been watching Virat [Kohli] since childhood, and I have made him my idol. Now, finally, when I played with him, he scored a hundred when I was at the non-striker’s end [in Perth],” Reddy remarked.
“I felt so happy, and when I scored a hundred he appreciated me, came to me and said that you really played well, you got the team back in the game. I felt so happy about that. I always dreamed about this moment, and finally, when he talked with me that was the best moment for me.”
However, despite all the highs with the bat, Reddy understands that he isn’t a finished product as an all-rounder. The bowling side of things still needs his attention.
“My expectations [at the start of the tour] was to be a pure allrounder, and I know still I need to work a little bit more on my bowling,” Reddy admitted.
“I'm still not happy with how I'm bowling, and I hope I come back strong in bowling. I want to fulfil that allrounder slot in the coming days.”
Australia have their last batting pair of Nathan Lyon (41* off 54) and Scott Boland (10* off 65) on the crease, and they will begin Day 5 with a 333-run lead on the board.
