Who is Nitish Reddy? Checkout some interesting facts about India's centurion at the Boxing Day Test

During the fourth Test between India and Australia on Saturday, Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered an outstanding performance to score his maiden Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). At just 21 years old, Reddy showcased resilience and determination, stepping up when India found themselves in trouble at 191/6 after the dismissal of Rishabh Pant. Partnering with Washington Sundar, the duo steadied the innings and built a crucial 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket amidst a packed MCG. Reddy’s innings was not only a display of technical skill but also an impressive feat of maturity under pressure. His century etched his name in history as the third-youngest Indian to achieve a maiden Test hundred on Australian soil at 21 years and 216 days.

Nitish Kumar Reddy becomes third youngest Indian to score a century in Australia

Only Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the milestone at 18 years and 256 days in 1992, and Rishabh Pant, who achieved it at 21 years and 92 days in 2019, were younger when they accomplished the feat in Australia. Adding to the significance of his achievement, Reddy joined an elite group of batsmen to score a Test century while batting at No. 8 or lower. He is now the third-youngest to achieve this milestone, following in the footsteps of Abul Hasan (20 years and 108 days) and Ajay Ratra (20 years and 150 days). Reddy’s innings not only saved India from further collapse but also cemented his place as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.

The young sensation, Nitish Kumar Reddy, has been turning heads during the ongoing India vs Australia Test series with his stellar performances. At just 21 years old, the all-rounder has shown exceptional skill and composure, helping India navigate challenging situations throughout the series. Reddy has already achieved notable milestones in his budding career, including becoming the first Indian batter to hit eight sixes in a single Test series against Australia. Additionally, he equaled the record for the most sixes by a visiting batter in a series on Australian soil.

His fearless approach and ability to take on the formidable Australian bowling attack have drawn the attention of cricket fans and experts alike. Reddy’s performances have not only provided critical contributions to the Indian team but have also ignited excitement about his potential to become one of cricket’s next big stars. As he continues to shine on the international stage, the cricketing world is keen to know more about the life and journey of this promising young talent. From his early days in cricket to his rise as a key player for India, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s story is one of grit, determination, and extraordinary talent.

Nitish Kumar Reddy was born on May 26, 2003, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to K. Mutyala Reddy, a former employee of Hindustan Zinc, and Manasa Jyotsna. He grew up alongside his sister, Sharmila Reddy. Nitish's love for cricket began at the age of five, inspired by his visits to the Hindustan Zinc stadium, where he keenly observed older players in action. Recognizing Nitish’s passion and potential, his father made a life-changing decision when Nitish was around 10-12 years old. Concerned about the quality of coaching his son would receive, Mutyala Reddy resigned from his job and relocated the family to Udaipur to provide Nitish with better training opportunities. This bold move marked the beginning of Nitish’s journey in cricket, setting the stage for him to develop into the talented player he is today.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s rise to fame began with his performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Acquired by SRH for ₹20 lakh in the 2023 season, Nitish showcased his all-round prowess. His impressive performances earned him the title of 'Emerging Player of the Year' in the 2024 IPL. During the season, he amassed 303 runs and picked up three wickets, making a significant impact for his team. Recognizing his potential, SRH retained Nitish for the upcoming IPL 2025 season with a hefty bid of ₹6 crore. The tournament, set to commence on March 14, will provide another platform for the talented all-rounder to shine and further solidify his reputation as one of the brightest young stars in Indian cricket.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s stellar performance in the Vijay Merchant Trophy 2017-18 was nothing short of extraordinary. The young talent emerged as a standout player, becoming the first cricketer from Andhra Pradesh to win the prestigious Jagmohan Dalmiya Award for the "Best Cricketer in the Under-16" category, conferred by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Nitish's remarkable achievements included a breathtaking 441-run innings against Nagaland and an overall tournament tally of 1237 runs at an astonishing average of 176.41. Additionally, he showcased his all-round abilities by taking 26 wickets. His exceptional performances made him a source of immense pride for the Andhra Cricket Association, cementing his status as a rising star in Indian cricket.