Nitish Kumar Reddy has become the talk of the town. The 21-year-old smashed a superb century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and revived India from a dire position.
The Andhra all-rounder has been highly impressive throughout the series. He got scores of 41 & 38* on debut in Perth before getting 42 in each innings in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. He made just 16 in Brisbane but showed great character, facing 61 balls which played a part in helping India avoid the follow-on.
He topped that excellent start to his Test career with a splendid ton at the MCG. Walking into bat at 191/6 in response to Australia’s 474, Reddy’s fine 114 helped India get to 369. His innings has been the talking point since day three and how it has helped India stay afloat in the game.
Apart from that, his celebration went viral too. Reddy who did the ‘Pushpa’ celebration on reaching 50, knelt down and plonked his bat on the ground and put his helmet on the bat handle after he reached the hundred. He looked up to the sky and gave a salute as well.
The Visakhapatnam-born cricketer revealed that he was saluting the Indian flag on the helmet. He added that playing for the country is the biggest motivation.
“After my hundred, I was planting my bat – keeping the helmet – so there is Indian flag and saluting the flag – the biggest motivation is playing for the country and it was memorable,” Nitish Kumar Reddy was quoted saying in a video released by the BCCI.
Andhra Cricket Association announces cash reward of ₹25 lakhs for Nitish Reddy
Nitish Reddy has been receiving applauses and praises from all over the world. The story of his struggles and his family’s sacrifices are all over the media.
Acknowledging the achievement of Reddy’s maiden Test hundred, his state association has announced a big reward for him. The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) have gifted the seam-bowling all-rounder a cash prize of ₹25 lakhs.
“It is a fortunate day and a happiest moment for the Andhra Cricket Association. We are very happy that a boy from Andhra has been picked for the Test format and international T20 format. As an honour, on behalf of the Andhra Cricket Association, Rs 25 lakh prize money is being given to Nitish Kumar Reddy,” ACA President Kesineni Sivanath was quoted saying.
