On a bright Saturday at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Reddy household basked in a moment of unparalleled pride as young cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy achieved a milestone that will forever be etched in Indian cricketing history.
Reddy, with grit and determination, notched up his maiden Test century amidst high drama on Day 3 of the ongoing Test against Australia.
While the spectators roared in admiration and the tricolour waved high in the stands, it was perhaps his father, Mutyala Reddy, who felt the weight of the moment most deeply.
In an interview with former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist, Mutyala’s words reflected both the tension and elation of the occasion.
“For our family, it’s a special day and we cannot forget this day in our life,” said Mutyala, his voice trembling with emotion. “He has been performing well since the age of 14-15, and now, to see him achieve this in international cricket, it’s a very special feeling.”
The road to three figures was far from smooth. Reddy’s 105 not out came under dramatic circumstances, with only one wicket standing between glory and heartbreak. It was Mohammed Siraj’s stoic defence at the non-striker’s end that allowed Reddy to inch his way to the magical number. Mutyala’s recount of the tension in those moments struck a chord with viewers.
“I was very tensed. Only the last wicket was remaining. Thankfully, Siraj managed to survive,” he said, his relief palpable even hours after the match.
Reddy’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Visakhapatnam, he showcased prodigious talent in age-group cricket, dominating at the state and national levels before making his way to the international arena.
At just 14, he displayed a hunger for the game that set him apart, and by 15, he was already a name to watch. Saturday’s century, a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and familial support, stands as a testament to his perseverance.
The innings was not just a personal triumph but a symbol of the strength in Indian cricket’s bench. It showcased a new generation of players ready to take on the world, fearless and determined. Reddy’s ability to thrive under pressure and anchor the innings during a precarious situation (221/7) is a quality rarely seen in players so early in their careers.
As the applause for Nitish echoed through the MCG, the significance of the moment wasn’t lost on anyone. It was a moment of national pride, a reminder of cricket’s power to unite and inspire. For the Reddy family, it was a day to treasure forever—a culmination of years of effort, sacrifice, and belief.
“This century is not just his,” Mutyala remarked. “It belongs to all those who have supported him, guided him, and believed in him.”
As Reddy walked off the field, raising his bat to the sky and acknowledging the spectators, one couldn’t help but wonder: how many more chapters of brilliance are yet to be written in this young cricketer’s story? For now, though, the Reddy family and a billion cricket fans will revel in this day, a day when a dream came true at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
