Nitish Kumar Reddy has demonstrated remarkable skill on the cricket field. Upon achieving his first half-century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, he echoed a moment from the film Pushpa by running the edge of his bat beneath his chin. Later, after reaching his inaugural Test century, he drew inspiration from Baahubali, kneeling down and placing his helmet atop the bat handle.

Moreover, Nitish Kumar Reddy possesses a profound understanding of the game, particularly in the context of Test cricket. He transcends mere theatrics; he embodies the essence of a true Test cricketer. Although his rise to prominence was catalyzed by the shorter formats, including the IPL, he has firmly established himself in the longer format.

Throughout the preceding matches in a series marked by the Indian batters' struggles, Nitish exhibited an aggressive approach, emerging as the top scorer on three occasions out of five completed innings. He extended this impressive streak to four out of six with a dazzling unbeaten 103, captivating an audience of over 83,000 who held their breath as he approached the milestone of 99, erupting in celebration when he surpassed three figures with a well-timed on-drive off Scott Boland.

With this achievement, Nitish joins the ranks of four other Indians who have scored a century in their debut Test at the MCG. By aligning himself with Vinoo Mankad, Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, and Ajinkya Rahane, he has entered an esteemed circle. All indications suggest that this is merely the beginning for the 21-year-old from Visakhapatnam, who exhibits the poise and composure of someone far more seasoned and experienced.

It is difficult to ascertain the emotions that coursed through his mind upon reaching this significant milestone in his cricketing career. The first century, as experienced players often assert, is the most unforgettable. VVS Laxman recounted how, after scoring 167 in Sydney in early 2000, he felt a sense of belonging at the Test level. Contemporary cricketers may not share such self-doubt.

Saturday at the MCG presented its own set of challenges. Rishabh Pant's adventurous spirit led him to take risks that proved detrimental, while Ravindra Jadeja succumbed to the cunning bowling of Nathan Lyon, who, despite being 37, demonstrated his ability to deliver wicket-taking balls, leaving India at 221 for seven, far from Australia's imposing total of 474. The presence of numerous all-rounders and the unconventional batting order, with nightwatchman Akash Deep positioned at No. 5, meant that even with seven wickets down, India still had a reasonable depth in their batting lineup. It was crucial for Nitish and Washington Sundar to focus and approach their innings with a level-headed strategy, in contrast to the reckless bravado exhibited by Pant.

Washington has previously posed challenges for Australia, particularly during his debut in Brisbane in January 2021, while Nitish has made a name for himself with impactful performances in Perth and Adelaide. Nitish plays under Pat Cummins and alongside Travis Head at Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Daniel Vettori, Australia's current spin consultant, serves as head coach. They would be well aware of his capabilities as a T20 batter, yet they might have been surprised by his ability to construct a century, especially given that he typically thrives when batting with more freedom.

Adapting to the format

The defining characteristic of an exceptional Test batter is their ability to adapt, responding effectively to the demands of the moment and stepping up to support the team in times of need. Nitish demonstrated this adaptability, transitioning his approach as he celebrated, adopting a more cautious demeanor without sacrificing aggression or scoring opportunities. The contemporary batter within him was unreserved in executing a powerful shot off Lyon, sending the ball for a six despite the presence of a fielder at long-on, while the traditionalist in him refrained from playing at deliveries outside off stump, as Australia employed a wide line and a 7-2 field to challenge his composure.

During a partnership of 127 runs, Washington proved to be a valuable ally, but it is Mohammed Siraj who currently holds a special place in Nitish’s esteem. It was only due to the No. 11's ability to defend three deliveries from Cummins that Nitish was afforded the opportunity to transform his score from 99 to 103. Upon achieving this milestone, he collapsed into Siraj’s embrace, his face illuminated by a broad smile, even as dark clouds loomed ominously above. Welcome to the elite level, Nitish Kumar Reddy.

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