‘Impressed me from the first Test’: Sachin Tendulkar praises Nitish Kumar Reddy’s hundred in Boxing Day Test | Cricket News

The 22-year-old Andhra reached his century off 171 deliveries just before poor light forced early stumps on the third day. Incidentally, Nitish was the third youngest Indian after Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant to score a Test hundred in Australia. Tendulkar, who tops the all-time Test batting chart, praised Nitish’s temperament and highlighted the Andhra all-rounder’s performance throughout the series.

“An unforgettable knock from Nitish. He impressed me from the first Test and his composure and temperament were visible throughout,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

An unforgettable knock from Nitish. He impressed me from the first test and his composure and temperament were noticeable throughout. Today he managed to play a crucial innings in this series once again. Wonderfully and competently supported by @Sundarwashi5 as well as.
So… pic.twitter.com/XA2asQVphR

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 28, 2024

“Today he gave his best to play a crucial innings in this series. Wonderful and competent support from Sundar too. Well played!” Tendulkar added.

Nitish, who made his debut in the first Test, made crucial cameo appearances before converting his maiden half-century into a hundred in Melbourne. Nitish also became India’s second highest scorer in the series with 284* runs in six innings.

The century was only Nitish’s second first-class hundred after his Ranji Trophy century against Bihar earlier this year. Nitish walked back to the pavilion in the presence of his family to thunderous applause from the packed MCG crowd. His teammates also lined up on the boundary line and received him with a standing ovation. “Nitish Reddy is an incredible player. Mentally very strong. This century here at MCG will be remembered forever. Nitish is someone who gives 100 percent in everything. That is his motive in life. It is very pleasing for us to watch,” Sundar told reporters after the day’s match.