India’s rising star Nitish Kumar Reddy put in a standout performance on Day 3 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia as he silenced his critics with his maiden Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 28.
The 21-year-old demonstrated his talent and composure under pressure, remaining undefeated in 105 strokes. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brilliant knock was instrumental in India reaching 385/9 at stumps on Day 3 in response to Australia’s innings total of 474 in the ongoing Boxing Day Test.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s stunning century silences critics in style at the MCG
He also participated in a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who contributed a fifty in Melbourne. Sundar and Reddy’s eighth-wicket stand helped stabilize India’s innings after a shaky start and gave the visitors a fighting chance in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.
Also Read: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s MCG ton declared one of the biggest by Sunil Gavaskar but with a big caveat
The record-breaking century has even greater significance for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been impressive since the first Test with the bat, as it came in the wake of criticism from former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who had questioned his place in the Indian team.
Can we get 120 from someone batting at no? 8? Sanjay Manjrekar questions Reddy’s ability
Before the start of the Boxing Day Test, Sanjay Manjrekar had expressed doubts about Reddy being considered an all-rounder as he felt it was too early to label him. However, Reddy’s exceptional performance at the MCG proved his worth and justified his inclusion in the playing XI.
Sanjay Manjrekar had said during an interaction on ESPNcricinfo, “Look, there is no doubt about the potential he has and how well he has played. But can we get 120 from someone batting 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 move up the order and play as a pure batsman leaving someone out of form? Then you can add an extra bowler hat. His bowling is not good enough to be played as an all-rounder. It is too early to consider him as an all-round batsman.”
PUMA trolls Sanjay Manjrekar as Nitish Kumar Reddy’s hit speaks louder than words
Now, after his astonishing first Test century at the MCG, PUMA decided to publicly give Sanjay Manjrekar a taste of his own medicine for underestimating Nitish Kumar Reddy and questioning his place in the Test XI.
Also Read: Nitish Kumar Reddy dedicates his first Test to his father, posts a funny message for Mohammed Siraj
Notably, Reddy is sponsored by PUMA, and the brand did not miss the opportunity to endorse their star player, but even they are too cool to take revenge. On social media platform
PUMA released an image from an official photoshoot where Nitish Reddy is seen making a ‘shush’ gesture to take a brutal dig at Manjrekar after the all-rounder’s incredible century that silenced many critics.
– PUMA Cricket (@pumacricket) December 28, 2024
Notably, the Indian selectors made a bold decision by picking Reddy, who was averaging 21 after 21 first-class matches, for the high-profile BGT 2024-25, but justified his selection with his notable performances in his first Test series. . He is currently India’s leading run-scorer in the ongoing five-match Test series with 284 runs in four innings so far.