India's star all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's superlative century not only left the MCG crowd, fans, cricket pundits in awe of his supreme knock but also the Indian dressing room. Nitish Reddy scored a counter-attacking century to rescue India from a precarious situation and rally them to a competitive 369. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old has revealed the atmosphere within the dressing room following his impressive century in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He expressed immense joy, stating that it was a truly fulfilling experience to witness Virat Kohli applaud his innings.
Nitish Kumar Reddy's cinematic century at MCG
Team India were reeling under immense pressure after Australia posted a formidable total of 474 runs in their first innings. The Indian batting lineup faltered, losing seven wickets quickly and facing the prospect of a big deficit. However, Reddy emerged as a beacon of hope, displaying exceptional batting prowess and crafting a magnificent century, a momentous achievement in his Test career.
Reddy executed his shots with precision and maturity and took Australian bowlers head on. He also etched his name in Indian cricket history by becoming the third youngest player to achieve a century on Australian soil. He also created history by becoming the first batter to score a century while batting at the No. 8 position at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
As Reddy, who scored an impressive 114 runs, celebrated his century and returned to the dressing room after a rain interruption, his teammates showered him with a standing ovation. He received special praise and appreciation from both his idol Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma.
Nitish Kumar Reddy reveals chat with Virat Kohli after cracking century
The star all-rounder revealed that chat with his idol Virat Kohli after cracking his century. He shared that he has been an ardent admirer of Kohli since his childhood. Reddy revealed that during that moment, Kohli approached him and offered words of encouragement, praising his performance.
"It was so great, a grateful moment for me. I have been watching Virat since childhood and made him my idol. And grown up, now finally I played with him. He scored a hundred when I was in non-strike. I felt so happy. And when I scored a hundred he appreciated me," Reddy said in the press conference after Day 4's play.
"He came to me, he said that 'you played really well, 'you get the team back in the game.' I felt so happy for that. I always dreamed about this moment, and finally, when he talked with me, that's the best moment for me," he added.