Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes India’s young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been underrated throughout the BGT series and rooted for his promotion in the batting order. Nitish Kumar Reddy has introduced himself to the world with swagger in style in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the first innings of the Boxing Day Test, when India found itself reduced to 191/6, Nitish Kumar Reddy set the MCG ablaze with a memorable performance.
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke called Nitish Kumar Reddy a ‘genius’ and advocated for the all-rounder to be promoted up the batting order following his sensational maiden Test century in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s sensational century sets up India’s mini comeback in the MCG test
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s unbeaten 105 off 176 balls, laced with ten fours and a six, showcased his temperament and skill under pressure, making him India’s leading run-scorer in the series with 284 runs at an impressive average of 71.
He toyed with Australian bowlers and delivered a swashbuckling performance in ‘Pushpa’ style to celebrate his fifty. He didn’t slow down from there, instead upped the ante to convert it into his maiden Test ton.
With emotions and prayers resonating at the MCG, Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped the ball away for a four, planted his bat on the ground and celebrated his first century for India in Test colors.
Responding to Australia’s first innings total of 474 at the MCG, India were in big trouble at 221-7. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul had fallen cheaply, while Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) was run out following a horrible mix-up with Kohli. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar (50), however, lifted India courtesy of an eighth-wicket stand of 127. The former ended up scoring 114 off 189 balls, a knock which featured 11 fours and a six. His magnificent effort went in vain, though, as the visitors lost the Test by 184 runs.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performances have been a rare positive for India in an otherwise challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. With one century and consistent contributions across his six innings, Reddy has emerged as a reliable all-rounder capable of rescuing India in precarious situations.
His innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) not only saved India from the follow-on but also demonstrated his ability to adapt to different conditions and bowling attacks. This adaptability has earned him the trust of the team management and selectors, positioning him as a key player in India’s future plans.
With a century that lifted the Indian spirits, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s run-tally in the ongoing BGT series surged to 294 runs, making him the second-highest run-getter for India in the series. There have been talks among fans and former cricketers regarding his batting position. In the current Indian setup, Nitish Kumar Reddy usually comes out to bat at number eight. However, since Clarke saw Nitish’s batting masterclass, he believes the 21-year-old is ready to move up in the order.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke wants batting promotion for Nitish Kumar Reddy in BGT 2024-25
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke is highly impressed with Indian batting all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance with the willow in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. According to Clarke, the 21-year-old is good enough to move up from number eight to number six in the batting order.
Reddy has been among the few positives for India in the batting department in the Test series against Australia. The right-handed batter is the third-leading run-getter in the series, with 294 runs from seven innings at an average of 49. The youngster struck his maiden Test ton in the first innings of the Melbourne Test.
Speaking on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke hailed Reddy’s batting performances in BGT 2024-25 and said (as quoted by ANI):
“Reddy, this young kid batting at number eight, is a genius. I think he has definitely got to bat seven if not six. He has been India’s leading run-scorer, 21 years of age, unbelievable. He has been underrated in the entire series.”
The former Australian captain praised Reddy’s temperament and opined that he has done more than enough to earn a promotion in the batting order.
“He has impressed everyone. He has not feared any Australian bowler. He has been patient when he has needed to be patient. He has batted with the tail extremely well. He has shown his intent. He bats, bowls and fields,” the 43-year-old said.
“This guy is a very good find for the Indian cricket team. I think he is good enough to bat at number six. So what a great option for India going into the last Test match,” Clarke went on to add.
Many cricket experts, including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, had questioned Reddy’s inclusion in the Test team for the series against Australia considering his lack of first-class experience. However, the Andhra Pradesh cricketer has proved his critics wrong with some impressive performances with the willow.