Puma takes a cheeky dig at Sanjay Manjrekar over questioning Nitish Reddy's spot in India's playing XI

India’s cricket star, Nitish Kumar Reddy, made a remarkable impact on Day 3 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia, delivering a standout performance with his maiden Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 28.

The 21-year-old showcased exceptional talent and composure under pressure, finishing the day unbeaten on 105 runs. Reddy's impressive innings played a crucial role in helping India reach 385/9 at stumps, responding to Australia’s first-innings total of 474 in the ongoing Boxing Day Test.

Nitish Kumar Reddy played a key role in a vital 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who contributed a determined fifty in Melbourne. Their collaboration for the 8th wicket was essential in stabilising India’s innings following a difficult start, providing the visitors with a competitive opportunity in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.

Before the Boxing Day Test, Sanjay Manjrekar voiced skepticism about Nitish Kumar Reddy being labeled an all-rounder, suggesting it was too early to make such a remark. However, Reddy's outstanding performance at the MCG showcased his abilities and validated his selection in the playing XI.

Sanjay Manjrekar said during an interaction on ESPNcricinfo: “See, there is no doubting the potential he has and how good he has played. But can we get 120 from somebody who bats at no. 8? He is clearly not a bowler who can get you a seven-wicket haul like Shardul Thakur. Is he, at this stage, good enough to be pushed up the order and played as a pure batter by dropping someone out of form? Then you can add an extra bowler. His bowling is not good enough to play him as a bowling all-rounder. It is too early to consider him as a batting all-rounder.”

In the wake of Reddy's impressive maiden Test century at the MCG, PUMA publicly responded to Sanjay Manjrekar's earlier doubts, highlighting his underestimation of Reddy and questioning his position in the Test XI.

https://t.co/JlrL7DXTFf pic.twitter.com/MhCQ0ZBc7L

— PUMA Cricket (@pumacricket) December 28, 2024

Notably, Reddy is sponsored by PUMA, and the brand didn’t miss the chance to back their star player, but they are even too cool in taking revenge.

PUMA shared a photo from an official photoshoot featuring Nitish Reddy making a 'shushing' gesture, delivering a sharp response to Sanjay Manjrekar after the all-rounder’s stunning century that silenced numerous critics.

It's worth noting that Indian selectors took a significant risk by selecting Reddy, who had an average of just 21 after 21 first-class matches, for the prestigious BGT 2024-25. However, he has proven his worth with remarkable performances in his debut Test series, currently standing as India’s leading run scorer in the ongoing five-match Test series with 284 runs across four innings.