India’s rising star Nitish Kumar Reddy, on Day 3 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia, silenced his critics with his maiden Test century at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 28.
The 21-year-old showed his talent and composure under pressure, making an unbeaten 105 at stumps. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brilliant knock took India to 385/9 at stumps on Day 3 in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 474 in the ongoing Boxing Day Test in India.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s stunning century silences critics in style at the MCG
He was also involved in a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who scored 50 in Melbourne. Sundar and Reddy’s eighth-wicket stand helped stabilize India’s innings after a shaky start and gave the visitors a fighting chance in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.
The record-breaking century holds even greater significance for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been impressive since his first Test with the bat following criticism from former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who questioned his place in Team India.
Can we get 120 from anyone? 8? Sanjay Manjrekar questions Reddy’s ability
Before the start of the Boxing Day Test, Sanjay Manjrekar expressed doubts that Reddy would be considered an all-rounder as it was too early to label. However, Reddy’s exceptional performance at the MCG proved his mettle and justified his inclusion in the playing XI.
Sanjay Manjrekar during an interaction on ESPNcricinfo said, “Look, there is no doubt about his potential and how well he is playing. But can we get 120 from anyone? 8? He is not a bowler who can score you seven wickets like Shardul Thakur. At this stage, is he good enough to break out and play as a pure batter, throwing someone out of shape? Then you can add an extra bowl. His bowling is not good enough to play him as an all-rounder. It is too early to consider him as an all-rounder.”
PUMA trolls Sanjay Manjrekar as Nitish Kumar Reddy’s tattoo speaks louder than words
Now, after his stunning Test century at the MCG, PUMA has decided to give Sanjay Manjrekar a taste of his own medicine in a public way, as he underestimated Nitish Kumar Reddy and questioned his place in the Test XI.
Notably, Reddy is sponsored by PUMA and the brand didn’t miss a chance to support their star player, but they are very cool with their revenge. On social media platform X, PUMA Cricket trolled Manjrekar by replying to one of the former India batsman and commentator’s old tweets about Reddy.
PUMA released a photo from the official photo shoot where Nitish Reddy makes a ‘shut up’ gesture to take a cruel dig at Manjrekar after his incredible century that silenced many critics.
https://t.co/JlrL7DXTFf pic.twitter.com/MhCQ0ZBc7L
— PUMA Cricket (@pumacricket) December 28, 2024
Notably, the Indian selectors made a bold call by selecting Reddy, who averages 21 after 21 first-class matches, for the senior BGT 2024-25, but he justified his selection with his remarkable performances in the first Test series. He is India’s leading run-getter in the five-match Test series so far with 284 runs in four innings.
