Nitish Kumar Reddy's Father Touches Sunil Gavaskar's Feet: A Heartfelt Moment in Indian Cricket

On Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, something exceptionally wonderful happened. Mutyala Reddy, the father of Nitish Kumar Reddy who just scored a century in a test for India, did something wonderful in front of batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. Reddy really bent over and touched Sunil Gavaskar's feet. It was a special moment to see.

The most emotional and poignant moment - cricket and Indian culture!
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father, and his respect and emotions for the Great Sunil Gavaskar pic.twitter.com/BXFTTqc9xA

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 29, 2024

The Milestone Achievement

Nitish Kumar Reddy, a 21-year-old all-rounder for India, did something very big during the fourth test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) against Australia by hitting his first-ever test century. Reddy scored an impressive 114 runs from 189 balls, including 11 boundaries and a six. His amazing batting not only pulled India out of a tough spot but also made history. Reddy set a record for the highest score by any Indian batter at number eight or below in a test match in Australia. This achievement really changed everything for India, giving them a chance to shine again during the match.

ALSO READ:Jasprit Bumrah breaks another record as India’s fastest pacer

A Father's Emotional Gesture

Mutyala Reddy, feeling very emotional, did something traditional from India to show his respect he touched Sunil Gavaskar's feet because he was very grateful and admired him very much this act of respect was strikingly large in the cricket world, pointing out how important culture is at a time like this. It all happened because Mutyala Reddy was very happy and thankful when his son, Nitish Kumar Reddy, did something very special.

Sunil Gavaskar's Response

Gavaskar hugged Mutyala Reddy, obviously touched by what he did. We understand how much he has sacrificed. He has struggled a lot. You're the reason I'm feeling strong feelings. You have given India, and Indian cricket, a real treasure, Gavaskar said, showing a large amount of respect for how much the Reddy family gave up to help Nitish reach his cricket goals.

He pointed out that the connection players have with their families is vitally important to succeed in a big way.

While the Indian team were struggling at 221/7 in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 474 runs in the Melbourne Test, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar built up a historic partnership to rescue the visitors. 

Sensing the batting issue at present, India started the Melbourne Test with the deeper batting option. There was no doubt about the abilities of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s batting. Despite playing his first Test series, the 21-year-old Reddy has always shown his incredible batting abilities according to the situation, and Sundar previously played important knocks with the bat. 

Reddy and Sundar set a 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket to rescue the visitors. While Sundar scored 50 runs, Reddy completed his maiden Test century soon after Sundar’s dismissal. Their partnership helped India to score 358/9 at the stumps of the third day.

Also Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrates his first Test fifty with Pushpa celebration

Second highest partnership (8th or lower wickets) for India in Australia

Reddy and Sundar’s 127-run partnership was India’s second-highest partnership for the eighth or lower wickets in Australia.

Sixth highest partnership (8th or lower wickets) for visitors in Australia

Meanwhile, the 127-run eighth-wicket partnership was the sixth-highest eighth or lower wickets partnership for any visiting team against the hosts Australia. 

Fourth highest partnership (8th or lower wickets) for India outside India

Also, the 127-run eighth-wicket partnership was India’s fourth-highest eighth or lower wickets partnership outside India. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy made history on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia in the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Under immense pressure, Reddy scored his first-ever Test century, leaving the crowd and fans filled with emotion. His father, who was present in the stands, couldn’t hold back his tears as he watched his son achieve this incredible milestone.

Later that evening, an even more emotional moment unfolded when Reddy met his parents in his hotel room. His father embraced him tightly, kissed his forehead, and expressed his pride.

His father, Mutyala Reddy, was overwhelmed, shedding tears of joy as he hugged his son. This touching scene, shared by the BCCI, showcased the deep love, sacrifices, and support that shaped Reddy’s journey to success.

Here, watch the video:

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠.

The Reddy family has been a bundle of emotions today. Witness the magical moment as they embrace Nitish after he wowed the world with his extraordinary maiden Test century at the MCG.

A day etched in memories… pic.twitter.com/uz9mrASuRm

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2024

At the end of Day 3, Nitish Kumar Reddy remained unbeaten on 105, providing hope for India, who still trail by 116 runs. With Mohammed Siraj as the last batter, Reddy’s efforts will be crucial on Day 4 to minimize the deficit.

Earlier in the innings, India had lost Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja quickly, leaving the team in trouble. However, Reddy’s 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar turned things around and kept India’s fight alive.

Reddy’s calmness, and resilience under pressure have made him a rising star. His maiden century, marked by emotional celebrations with his family, will be remembered as one of Indian cricket’s most inspiring moments. 

MSK Prasad Yesterday : “ NITISH KUMAR REDDY Creating confusion in team he is not complete Batter or Bowler, he can't win matches with his Skills"

Today Nitish created History with his maiden Century, Perfect way to shut mouth of Critics 🤫#INDvsAUS

pic.twitter.com/a6PxGxZk6K

— Veena Jain (@DrJain21) December 28, 2024

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been India’s standout performer in this series, emerging as the highest scorer for the team. Throughout the series, he consistently contributed with scores in the 40s, but on this day, he converted his first fifty into a memorable maiden Test century.

The journey to this century wasn’t easy, as India was down to their last three wickets when Washington Sundar’s dismissal ended a crucial 127-run partnership. Jasprit Bumrah followed soon after, leaving only Mohammed Siraj to partner Reddy. With Pat Cummins bowling a fiery over, Siraj had to defend three balls to keep hopes alive.

Showing great determination, Siraj held firm, and in the next over bowled by Scott Boland, Reddy struck a boundary to bring up his century. The day ended early due to a lights issue, with Reddy unbeaten and India trailing by 116 runs. Reddy will resume on Day 4 with Siraj, hoping to push the total further.

With the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy’s unforgettable maiden Test century and Washington Sundar’s brilliant half-century, India managed to bring some challenges for the hosts Australia in the Melbourne Test.

The third day of the fourth match of the five-match Test series started at 164/5 as Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja began the important day.

See Also: Rishabh Pant’s Bizarre Dismissal at MCG Sparks Sunil Gavaskar’s Furious Reaction-‘Stupid, Stupid, Stupid’

Pant and Jadeja lost wickets in the key moments

Starting the day with some nervy moments, Pant and Jadeja had a 32-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Pant lost his wicket to Scott Boland after attempting to scoop as Nathan Lyon took the catch at the third man. After scoring 28 off 37 balls with the help of three fours, Pant lost his wicket disappointedly. 

Jadeja had a little 30-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Nitish Kumar Reddy before Lyon dismissed him through an lbw. Jadeja lost his wicket for 17 runs as his review was unluckily resulted in the umpire’s call.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar set a hundred partnership

While Washington Sundar joined Reddy, India were struggling at 221/7, and they were still 54 runs away to avoid follow-on. Although the visitors were struggling, Reddy and Sundar set up a solid partnership to rescue the visitors. 

Reddy and Sundar continuously built up a solid partnership, while Reddy completed his first Test half-century in 81 balls. Even, they handled the second new ball really well. 

Sundar completed 50 runs, Reddy recorded his first Test century

Sundar reached his fourth Test half-century in 146 balls, while their eighth wicket partnership comfortably completed 100 runs. While Lyon finally broke that 127-run eighth-wicket partnership by dismissing Sundar for 50 runs off 162 balls (one four), the Aussie captain Pat Cummins dismissed Jasprit Bumrah for a duck, leaving Reddy's deserving first Test century dream in threat.

However, the last batter Mohammed Siraj didn’t disappoint with the bat, as Reddy completed his first Test century by hitting a four to Scott Boland. Soon the second rain interruption of the day ended the third day of the Melbourne Test very early with India’s first innings total of 358/9. The visitors are still 116 runs behind Australia’s first innings total of 474 runs.

Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has continued his shining moment in his first Test series, as the no.8 batter once again saved the Indian team in the Melbourne Test with his maiden Test century. It was a thrilling moment when Reddy completed his maiden Test century with a four.

In the crucial Melbourne Test, when the 21-year-old Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat no.8, India were struggling at 191/6. Later, Ravindra Jadeja also lost his wicket as the visitors were in trouble at 221/7. India were still 54 runs away from avoiding the follow-on, as the hosts Australia scored 474 runs in the first innings. However, Reddy and Washington Sundar built up India's hope with an incredible century partnership for the eighth wicket. 

Reddy and Sundar had an outstanding 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket. While Reddy completed his first Test 50 in 81 balls and was strongly approaching the three-figure mark, Sundar was patiently batting on the other end to support Reddy. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy completed his maiden Test century in a thrilling moment

When Reddy was at 97 runs, Sundar (50) was dismissed by the Aussie off-spinner Nathan Lyon, and India were at 348/8. The little drama started from that, and Jasprit Bumrah's dismissal against the Aussie captain Pat Cummins made the situation more thrilling as Mohammed Siraj had to support Reddy, who was on 99 runs. Siraj successfully faced the crucial three deliveries of Cummins, and his wicket was unharmed. 

Scott Boland delivered the next over, and Reddy calmly chose the ball for his maiden Test century. The right-handed batter completed his century in 171 balls with the help of 10 fours and one six. While Reddy celebrated his maiden Test half-century in "Pushpa" style, his maiden Test century experienced the "Bahubali" style. He is the right man to celebrate in these ways.  

NITISH KUMAR REDDY CENTURY CELEBRATION.
His Father is really Happy and in Tears 🥺🥺🥺
Well played Boy 🙌🔥 pic.twitter.com/enM609mPqN

— Pratham 🇮🇳 (@Pratham_Tweetz) December 28, 2024

See Also: Rishabh Pant’s Bizarre Dismissal at MCG Sparks Sunil Gavaskar’s Furious Reaction-‘Stupid, Stupid, Stupid’

Reddy became the sixth Indian batter to score an away Test century in no.8 position

Soon after Reddy's century, the rain disturbed the game once again, which was previously done in the late second session of the third day to call the tea break earlier. While Reddy scored 105 not out off 176 balls, India scored 358/9 and were trailing by 116 runs. 

Reddy became the sixth Indian batter to record an away Test century at the no.8 or lower batting position.

No.8 or lower Indian batters scoring centuries outside India

Finally, Nitish Kumar Reddy recorded his first Test half-century and it came once again in a tough time in Indian innings. After completing his first Test 50 runs, the 21-year-old all-rounder brought the popular “Pushpa” celebration. 

In reply to Australia’s first innings total of 474 runs in the crucial Melbourne Test, the visitors India were in danger of being enforced follow-on when Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat. Rishabh Pant’s dismissal put India in trouble at 191/6. Later, Ravindra Jadeja lost his wicket, when the visitors were struggling at 221/7. When Washington Sundar joined Reddy, India was still 55 runs away to save the follow-on. 

Also Read: Rishabh Pant’s Bizarre Dismissal at MCG Sparks Sunil Gavaskar’s Furious Reaction-‘Stupid, Stupid, Stupid 

Both Reddy and Sundar batted exceptionally well to frustrate the home bowlers. Their batting ultimately helped the visitors cross the follow-on mark without further damage in the wicket tally.  

Reddy, who scored three 40s in this Australia tour after making his Test debut during this Test series opener, finally completed his deserving half-century in 81 balls with the help of four fours and one six. 

After completing his half-century, Reddy celebrated his maiden Test 50 runs with the popular “Pushpa” celebration.

"𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙟𝙝𝙪𝙠𝙚𝙜𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙝𝙞!" 🔥

The shot, the celebration - everything was perfect as #NitishKumarReddy completed his maiden Test fifty! 👏#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 3 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/hupun4pq2N

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 28, 2024

As the countdown to the much-awaited Box Day Test draws to a close, India are all in readiness to make some surprising changes to their lineup in a bid to outclass Australia in the ongoing edition of the Border Gavaskar Trophy Test series. As per reports, it has been widely speculated that the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma may return to the top to open the batting with the swashbuckling batter Yashasvi Jaiswal in Melbourne. This claim has been placed by a journalist from the Times of India.

Such a reshuffling at the top of the order would see the in-form Kl Rahul go down and drop all the way to number three as claimed by Rohit Juglan, a RevSportz journalist on Twitter.

Breaking - Rohit Sharma to open - KL to play at 3 in MCG

— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) December 25, 2024

See also: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024: AUS vs IND 4th Test, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Washington Sundar likely to team up with Jadeja as the second spinner at the MCG

Following the alteration of the Indian top order, the management is also mulling to bolster their spin department which has had very little role to play thus far in the series. As far as their expectations are concerned, the Indian team is of the opinion that the track in the MCG will suit the spinners during the latter stages of the Test match. 

Unsurprisingly, Ravindra Jadeja has emerged as the hot pick for the MCG showdown given his vast experience in the longest format, both with the bat and the ball. Furthermore, it is also believed that the management is leaning more towards securing the services of off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar and expects him to play a decisive role in the do-or-die fourth Test. If that were to happen, Nitish Kumar Reddy would have to drop out and make way for the spin-bowling all-rounder.

Rohit Sharma very likely to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul at No.3. Team considering two spinners - Washington Sundar could play in place of Nitish Reddy. But Rohit very likely to open tomorrow at MCG @toisports

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) December 25, 2024

Was it right to sideline Nitish?  

A handful of experts suggest that the young seam-bowling all-rounder may have been hard done-by the management. Reddy presently ranks as the fourth-highest run scorer in the ongoing BGT 2024-25, having accumulated 179 runs across five innings, with an average exceeding 44 and a strike rate of 72. Additionally, he has proven to be a valuable pace bowler for the Indian cricket team, claiming three wickets in 27 overs during the current tour of Australia.

However, the management's desire to push for more experience seems very justified at this stage. Sundar was previously a part of the Indian squad in the earlier BGT edition in 2020-21 where he performed splendidly well, both with the bat and the ball, and bailed India out of danger on a number of occasions. 

Many young cricketers rose to prominence in 2024, with outstanding performances across all forms. Among them, five players stood out for their promising performances on the big stage, implying that they may be the future foundation of Indian cricket.

Overall, the Indian cricket team has been a thorough breeding ground for fresh and developing talent, making an influence in the most effective manner conceivable.

It is no surprise to find the current and prominent emerging players who would play a decisive role in earning India's probable future ICC titles, tournaments or bilateral series wins. That said, here's a list of the top five debutants from the Indian Cricket Team, the 2024 edition.

While India were struggling against the Australian pacers in the day-night pink ball Adelaide Test match, the new Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy stunned the cricket fans with his incredible shot.

The five-match Test series Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has now entered the second round. Leading the series by 1-0, Indian captain Rohit Sharma chose to bat first. After the first ball dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill handled the early period really well. 

However, the left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc dominated from just before the dinner break to the end of the visitors’ innings. Powerful Starc recorded his best bowling figures in a Test innings, 14.1-2-48-6, and India were all out for 180 runs.

Watch: Siraj loses his cool over Labuschagne, hurls the ball back at him in anger

Brave Nitish Kumar Reddy scored crucial 42 runs

While the Indian batters struggled against the Aussie fast bowlers, Nitish Kumar Reddy showed his brave character with the bat. His firing 42 off 54 balls with the help of three fours and three sixes guided the visitors to cross the 150-run mark. 

The 21-year-old right-handed batter Reddy provided big proof of his understanding of the game, even when his team was massively under pressure on a challenging batting track. After Ravichandran Ashwin was dismissed for a run-a-ball 22 runs, where the experienced batter was in good touch before his dismissal, Reddy decided to charge the Aussie fast bowlers.  

Nitish Kumar Reddy hit an unorthodox sixer against Boland

Whether the bowler was Mitchell Starc or Scott Boland, Reddy had no hesitation if the ball reached his slot. It was the 42nd over of the innings when Reddy hit a sixer with an unorthodox shot. Boland delivered a length ball, and Reddy quickly set up a position to create a perfect reverse scoop to hit a sixer. It was the time when India had already lost eight wickets and Reddy was the only hope to add runs on the board. 

Although Reddy was dismissed by Mitchell Starc, it can’t shadow his outstanding cameo batting performance.    

THIS IS CINEMA! 🙌

Pink ball, seaming conditions & bowlers breathing fire - doesn't matter to #NitishReddy! 💪#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports! #AUSvIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/IM9HaBrv63

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 6, 2024

The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth delivered an unforgettable opening day of Test cricket, with the drama unfolding at every turn. On a lively pitch offering grass, pace, and bounce, 17 wickets tumbled as the pacers reigned supreme. India, led by the 'temporary captain' Jasprit Bumrah, braved the conditions by opting to bat first but soon found themselves under siege. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood wreaked havoc with the new ball, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal for ducks. KL Rahul showed grit, and Virat Kohli tried to counterattack, but Hoff's precision proved too good to handle. India slumped to 73/6, but Rishabh Pant (37) and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) fought back, steering India to a respectable 150 at Tea. Hazlewood shone with four wickets, while Starc, Cummins, and Marsh chipped in, as Nathan Lyon went wicketless on a rare off day.

Australia's reply was nothing short of a nightmare, as Bumrah delivered a fiery spell to dismantle the top order, removing Khawaja, debutant McSweeney, and Smith in no time. Harshit Rana impressed on debut by cleaning up Travis Head, while Siraj’s relentless accuracy removed Labuschagne and Marsh. Despite a dropped chance by Kohli, the Indian pacers kept Australia on the mat, leaving them reeling at 67/7 by stumps. Carey’s unbeaten 19 and Starc’s stubborn resistance were the lone bright spots for the hosts. With an 83-run deficit still looming, India holds a commanding position, setting the stage for another riveting day of cricket in this high-stakes clash.

Breaking down the Length majorly targeted 

India’s bowlers produced a masterclass in discipline and precision on the opening day of the first Test against Australia, making full use of the lively Perth pitch to seize control of the match. Armed with a clear strategy and unwavering execution, the Indian pacers exploited the conditions by relentlessly targeting the "outside off stump" line, forcing Australian batters into defensive mode. Their effort wasn't just about raw pace; it was about smart bowling, as a detailed analysis of the pitch map revealed. From good lengths to fuller deliveries, each ball had a purpose, and the results were evident in Australia’s fragile position at stumps.

See Also:  Dominant England secure 3-1 white-ball series triumph over West Indies

The "short of good length" area was the weapon of choice for the Indian quicks, delivering 68 balls in this zone. This length not only troubled the Australian batters but also stifled their scoring opportunities, achieving a remarkable dot-ball rate of 89.71%. Two wickets fell to deliveries in this length, highlighting its effectiveness on a pitch offering seam and bounce. It forced the batters to decide between playing or leaving, often leading to errors under pressure.

The "good length" deliveries were even more impactful, serving as the backbone of India's bowling plans. With the seamers maintaining a steady line, this zone accounted for four wickets and an 85.11% dot-ball rate. The good length’s unpredictability—keeping the batters guessing whether to play forward or back—caused havoc, as Bumrah and Siraj used it to devastating effect. It was in this zone that Australia’s most dependable names, including Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja, met their downfall.

India also used "full length" sparingly but effectively, delivering just 11 balls in this zone while claiming a wicket. The 72.73% dot-ball rate reflected the tight leash on scoring, with these fuller deliveries often targeting the stumps or inducing edges. This adaptability showcased India’s ability to mix up lengths while maintaining control. However, the short-pitched deliveries were the only less effective length, managing a lower dot-ball rate of 54.55% and failing to produce wickets. It served as a variation to test the batters but wasn’t the primary weapon on this surface.

The overall performance was a testament to India’s disciplined bowling attack and their ability to adapt to conditions. By sticking to a plan and maintaining relentless accuracy, they left Australia reeling at 67/7 by stumps. The combination of the pitch map analysis and the scoreboard demonstrated how India’s strategy worked to perfection, ensuring they ended the day with a commanding advantage. It set the stage for the visiting bowlers to dominate further and emphasized the critical importance of bowling partnerships in creating pressure.