Nitish Kumar Reddy recreates iconic Baahubali pose after he scores his 1st century in Australia

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the 21-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder, delivered a heroic maiden century on Saturday, rescuing India from a precarious position in the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Walking in at number eight with India struggling at 191-6 in response to Australia's commanding 474, Reddy’s unbeaten 105 off 176 balls transformed the game.

Reddy struck the famous ‘Baahubali’ pose after he racked up his maiden Test hundred. On Saturday, December 28, the right-handed batter brought up the milestone off 171 balls in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He became the first No. 8 batter to hit a hundred at the venue, going past Mitchell Johnson’s 92 back in 2012 against Sri Lanka.

Partnering with Washington Sundar, who contributed a gritty 50 from 162 deliveries, Reddy forged a vital 127-run eighth-wicket stand. This partnership, though falling three runs short of India’s record for the eighth wicket in Australia, was instrumental in steering India to 358-9 by stumps, reducing the deficit to 116 runs and avoiding the follow-on.


Reddy’s innings was a masterclass in resilience and aggression. He struck ten fours and a six, reaching his century with an elegant lofted boundary over mid-on off Scott Boland. His earlier half-century was marked by a superb cover drive off Mitchell Starc, showcasing his ability to handle Australia’s formidable bowling attack.

India had started the day at 164-5, with their top order already back in the pavilion. However, the day began poorly as Rishabh Pant fell for 28, and Ravindra Jadeja was trapped lbw for 17. With India staring at a massive first-innings deficit, Reddy and Sundar staged a remarkable fightback. Their partnership not only stabilized the innings but also gave the Indian supporters at the MCG much to cheer about.

Reddy’s mature knock, coming in only his debut series, has been a highlight of the tour. With 282 runs in his first six Test innings at an average of over 70, he has proven to be a valuable addition to the Indian lineup. As stumps were called early due to poor light, Reddy stood tall, giving India a glimmer of hope heading into the fourth day.