The Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden Test century against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 28, Saturday. The 21-year-old player's incredible century helped India stay in the game; he came to bat at No. 8 in the batting line-up. He scored 114 runs off 189 balls, smashing 11 fours and a six in the first innings. He completed his century on the 171st ball of his innings through a lofted shot; an epic celebration after the century went viral on social media, where he made sure to honor his country. He made his debut against Australia in the Perth Test last month.
In a video shared by BCCI on their social media account, Nitish said,
"Till the time we are here, we will keep fighting. Even when I got hit by bouncers or something like that. I just keep saying that same thing: keep fighting, just keep fighting. That's what keeps motivating me. That's something that has come from Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir). So that kind of made things a lot easier for us. It was a lot of fun. I mean, I started watching the ball a lot better, and runs also started coming in quite easily."
Further, Reddy said that when Washington Sundar got out, he was very tense, and when he saw the scoreboard, there were 3 balls left, and Siraj entered the field. He also stated that Siraj really boosted him up while he was on the edge of scoring his maiden century.
"But when he (Sundar) got out, I was like, 'No way.'" At that time I was on 99, I guess. I saw the scoreboard, and there were still 3 more balls, and Siraj is walking up. And I know what mentality Siraj carries, and he was like, 'Yeah, I will do it.' He was boosted up, and 'Reddy, now it's your time."
At the end, Reddy said that he was very happy and wanted to perform in Australia so that everyone recognizes him and the things he is capable of. When he saw his father crying after his century, he said this is what he dreamed of and making him proud by doing this.
"I was so happy. I wanted to perform well in Australia so that everyone recognizes me and what I am capable of. I let my bat talk, and I am just so thankful for the moment. After that moment (century), I saw my father. He's crying like, you know, I always dreamed about making him proud."