Nitish Reddy’s maiden Test century became an unforgettable moment during the Boxing Day Test as he dedicated the achievement to his father, Mutalya Reddy. The Indian all-rounder, who reached this milestone at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 28, shared an emotional moment with his father, who was seen in tears of joy in the stands. Nitish later posted a heartfelt message on X, captioning a picture of his father, “This one’s for you, dad!”
Nitish Reddy’s Journey To Test Glory
Nitish Reddy’s journey to this historic milestone was filled with struggles and sacrifices. His father, Mutalya Reddy, played a pivotal role in shaping his cricketing career. In 2016, Mutalya made a life-changing decision to leave his job at Hindustan Zinc to focus entirely on nurturing Nitish’s talent. This decision brought financial hardships to the family, but it also laid the foundation for Nitish’s success.
“There were times when my father had to sacrifice meals, and sleepless nights were common for us,” Nitish shared in a BCCI video. “I saw him crying once due to financial struggles, and that moment changed me. It made me determined to achieve my dreams and give him a reason to smile.”
The Emotional Century At The MCG
As Nitish Reddy inched closer to his maiden century, the tension in the stadium was palpable. A close LBW appeal from Australian pacer Scott Boland added to the drama. The cameras captured Nitish’s father with a worried expression, reflecting the mood of thousands of fans in the stands.
Moments later, Nitish smashed Boland for a boundary, completing his century in 171 balls. The crowd erupted in celebration, and the camera panned to his father, who was visibly overcome with emotion. Nitish’s heartfelt gesture of dedicating the century to his father added a poignant touch to the moment.
Mutalya Reddy’s Sacrifices Behind The Success
Mutalya Reddy’s sacrifices have been instrumental in Nitish’s journey to the Indian cricket team. From leaving a stable job to enduring financial struggles, Mutalya remained steadfast in his support for Nitish.
Nitish revealed, “I gave my first cricket jersey to my father and saw the happiness on his face. That memory is etched in my heart. His sacrifices are the reason I stand here today.”
The Match Context And Nitish’s Impact
Nitish Reddy’s innings came at a crucial juncture in the Boxing Day Test. Despite facing a tough Australian bowling attack, Nitish showcased patience and resilience. His 36-run knock in the first innings hinted at his determination, but it was his second-innings century that truly demonstrated his potential.
With this century, Nitish not only solidified India’s position in the match but also cemented his place as a rising star in Indian cricket.
The Crowd’s Chant: A Nod To Nitish’s Achievements
Adding to the emotional atmosphere was the crowd’s chant of “DSP, DSP,” a reference to Nitish’s appointment as the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Telangana earlier this year. The fans’ acknowledgment of his achievements beyond cricket underscored his growing popularity and impact both on and off the field.
Nitish Reddy’s maiden Test century is more than just a cricketing milestone. It is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and a son’s tribute to his father’s unwavering support. As India continues its pursuit of victory in Melbourne, Nitish’s inspiring journey is sure to motivate countless young cricketers across the nation.