Nitish Kumar Reddy Makes History as Youngest Indian Centurion in Australia at No. 8

In an extraordinary feat that has captured the hearts of cricket fans worldwide, Nitish Kumar Reddy became the youngest Indian to score a Test century in Australia while batting at No. 8. The 21-year-old all-rounder achieved this milestone during Day 3 of the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where his gritty 105* not only propelled India’s total but also redefined his place in Indian cricket.
Reddy’s remarkable knock came under immense pressure, with India battling to avoid the follow-on after being reduced to 221/7. In a situation where most lower-order batters would falter, Reddy stood tall, showing composure, grit, and class. His century came off a boundary off Scott Boland, sparking jubilant celebrations as the MCG crowd, nearly 80,000 strong, rose to applaud his achievement. It was a historic moment not just for Reddy but for Indian cricket as a whole, as he became the first Indian to score a Test century at No. 8 in Australia.
Reddy’s salute to the heavens, raising his bat and taking off his helmet, was a heartfelt tribute to his father, who was present at the MCG to witness his son’s defining moment. His father, overwhelmed with emotion, was seen clapping and cheering along with thousands of Indian fans who had gathered to watch this historic occasion. At just 21 years and 216 days, Reddy became the third youngest Indian batter to score a maiden Test century in Australia, following in the footsteps of cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant.
A Journey to Remember
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey to this momentous achievement was not without its challenges. Prior to this series, there were several questions about his place in the Indian team. Reddy was selected as the lone seam-bowling all-rounder for the Australia tour, a role that placed significant pressure on his shoulders. While his primary job was to provide control with the ball, Reddy was not able to make the impact expected of a fourth seamer, and many questioned whether he truly belonged in the Indian XI.
However, the Indian team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, remained confident in Reddy’s abilities. This unwavering support proved to be crucial in Reddy’s development as a cricketer. Even as questions were raised about his place in the squad, especially after India chose Washington Sundar for the Boxing Day Test, Reddy continued to deliver with the bat. In fact, his inclusion ahead of the more established Shubman Gill in the starting XI for the fourth Test proved to be a stroke of genius, as Reddy’s contributions with the bat made a significant difference for India in a challenging situation.
Reddy’s selection for the Australia tour itself was met with skepticism, with critics pointing to his relatively untested record in international cricket. However, Reddy remained unfazed, proving his mettle with his consistency in the lower-order. His ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver when it mattered most earned him the trust of his teammates and coaching staff.
The Historic Century
Reddy’s historic century on December 28, 2024, came at a time when India’s chances of avoiding a follow-on were growing slimmer. After the early dismissal of the top-order, India’s lower order was tasked with building a partnership that could provide a buffer against the Australian bowlers. This is where Reddy stepped up, forming a crucial partnership with Washington Sundar.
Reddy’s knock of 105* was not just about runs; it was a statement of resilience and composure. His innings was chanceless, with no false shots, as per Cricviz data, and showed his growing maturity as a cricketer. Reddy’s batting was a mixture of controlled aggression and patient defense, with the young batter playing the Australian bowlers with remarkable precision. His ability to deal with the pressure and the changing game situations proved that he had the temperament needed to succeed in the international arena.
His century also rewrote the record books. Reddy surpassed Anil Kumble’s 87 runs, which had previously stood as the highest score by an Indian batting at No. 8 or lower in Australia. Reddy’s 105* is now the highest score by an Indian at No. 8 or below in Australia, further cementing his place in cricketing history. In addition, his performance made him the youngest Indian to score a century in Australia since Rishabh Pant in 2019, and the third overall, behind Tendulkar (18 years, 256 days) and Pant (21 years, 92 days).
A Record-Setting Partnership
Reddy’s partnership with Washington Sundar also created new records. The pair put on a brilliant 129-run stand for the 8th wicket, rescuing India from the precarious position of 221/7 to 358/9. This partnership was crucial in ensuring that India avoided the follow-on and set a competitive total. The 129-run stand now holds the record for the highest 8th-wicket partnership for India in Australia, matching the 129-run effort between Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh in 2008.
The partnership was a testament to both Reddy and Sundar’s abilities under pressure. While Reddy took the lead with his century, Sundar provided valuable support, contributing an unbeaten 50 runs to the partnership. Their resilience in the face of challenging conditions helped India stay afloat in the Test, giving the team a realistic chance of salvaging a result.
A Historic Moment for Indian Cricket
Reddy’s performance on December 28 will be remembered as one of the defining moments of Indian cricket. His century, coupled with his partnership with Sundar, not only helped India recover from a difficult situation but also marked the emergence of a new talent in Indian cricket. The significance of this achievement extends beyond just the record books. Reddy’s performance has sent a strong message to critics and fans alike: that the next generation of Indian cricketers is ready to take the mantle and perform on the world’s biggest stages.
Reddy’s journey from an unknown all-rounder to a record-breaking centurion in Australia reflects the evolving nature of Indian cricket, where young players are given the chance to prove themselves and rise to the occasion. It is also a reminder of the importance of belief, perseverance, and support from the team management in nurturing young talent.
The Way Forward
While Reddy’s achievement has certainly made headlines, it also marks just the beginning of what could be a promising career. The young all-rounder has shown immense potential, and this century could well be the first of many in his international career. As India continues its cricketing journey, players like Reddy will play an increasingly vital role in the team’s future successes.
Reddy’s story is also a reminder that in the world of cricket, talent, determination, and support from the right people can help a player rise above challenges and make their mark on the game. His performance on December 28, 2024, is a testament to the spirit of Indian cricket and the country’s bright future in the sport.
Conclusion
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s century in Melbourne has added a new chapter to the rich history of Indian cricket. His performance, under the pressure of a critical Test match, has not only won him accolades but has also inspired a new generation of cricketers. Reddy’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and belief in oneself, and it serves as a perfect example of how young talent can shine when given the opportunity to showcase their skills. As India looks to the future, players like Reddy will be key to continuing the country’s cricketing legacy on the international stage.