"This young kid is a genius" - Former Australian captain wants batting promotion for Nitish 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.

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How Nitish Reddy led India's fightback in Melbourne

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.

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.