Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrated his maiden Test century with a unique gesture, replicating the famous 'Baahubali' pose after reaching the milestone on the third day of the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Reddy knelt down, planted his bat, and placed his helmet on top. His unique celebration captured the attention of the crowd, who responded with loud applause.
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Earlier in the match, Reddy celebrated his maiden Test fifty with a gesture from the popular film Pushpa, striking the pose made famous by Allu Arjun. His half-century came off 81 balls.
He was on 99 when India lost their ninth wicket with Jasprit Bumrah's dismissal. However, after Mohammed Siraj defended well against Pat Cummins, Reddy reached his century with a lofted shot down the ground off Scott Boland. Reddy reached the landmark in 171 deliveries, with nine fours and one six. He became the third Indian batter to score a century in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, following Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
His father, Mutyalal, was seen overcome with emotion as he prayed with folded hands, tears streaming down his face. The proud moment was made even more special as Reddy’s knock played a pivotal role in rescuing India from a precarious position. He formed a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, steering India to 274/8 before bad light halted play.
Coming in to bat at number eight, Reddy made history by becoming the first Indian to score a century at that position in Australia. The previous highest score for India from number eight in Australia was held by Anil Kumble, who made 87 in 2008 at Adelaide Oval. Reddy’s knock also made him one of the youngest centurions for India in Australia. He now ranks as the fourth youngest, behind Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant.
Reddy's knock earned applause from the MCG crowd, and Australian players gathered around him to congratulate the 21-year-old. The century not only marked a career milestone but also placed him in an elite group of young Indian batters who have scored a Test ton in Australia.
Youngest Centurions for India in Australia
| Rank | Player | Score | Age (Years, Days) | Year |
|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 148* | 18Y 253D | 1992 |
| 2 | Sachin Tendulkar | 114 | 18Y 283D | 1992 |
| 3 | Rishabh Pant | 159* | 21Y 91D | 2019 |
| 4 | Nitish Kumar Reddy | 103* | 21Y 214D | 2024 |
Reddy’s scores in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy show his consistency, with innings of 100*, 16, 42, 42, 41, and an unbeaten 38 prior to this match.
