'Impressed me from the 1st Test': Sachin Tendulkar heaps praise on Nitish Reddy after Boxing Day Test brilliance

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar heaped praise on the talented young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for achieving his maiden Test century during the ongoing fourth Test match between Australia and India at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday. Nitish has emerged as a standout player from the Indian team in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, consistently delivering impressive performances and providing much-needed stability to the team's batting lineup.

In a crucial moment during the fourth Test, with India struggling at 221 for 7 and still trailing Australia by 253 runs in the first innings, Nitish rose to the occasion and played a brilliant innings alongside Washington Sundar. Despite facing the formidable and experienced Australian bowling attack throughout the series, Nitish remained composed and showcased his exceptional skills on the field.

The 21-year-old displayed an aggressive approach during his 127-run partnership with Sundar, rescuing the Indian innings from the brink of a potential follow-on. Nitish achieved his first century while batting alongside No.11 batsman Mohammed Siraj. He elegantly dispatched Scott Boland's full-length delivery over mid-on for a boundary, sealing his well-deserved century.

“A knock to remember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test and his composure and temperament have been on display right through. Today he took it a notch higher to play a crucial innings in this series,” Tendulkar wrote on his X handle. “Wonderfully and ably supported by @Sundarwashi5 as well. Well played!”

A knock to remember by Nitish. He has impressed me right from the 1st Test and his composure and temperament have been on display right through. Today he took it a notch higher to play a crucial innings in this series. Wonderfully and ably supported by @Sundarwashi5 as well.
Well… pic.twitter.com/XA2asQVphR

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 28, 2024

Nitish ended the day unbeaten on 105 runs, showcasing his dominance over the Australian bowlers with 10 boundaries and a six off Nathan Lyon. Despite India finishing the day at 358 for 9, they still trail by 116 runs, creating a somewhat uncertain situation. However, the Indian bowlers have the opportunity to assert their dominance and gain a psychological advantage by putting the Australian batters on the backfoot in the upcoming second innings.

Also read| Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy's father gets emotional as son slams maiden Test century in Melbourne