"One of the greatest hundreds in history of Indian cricket" - Indian legend's massive remark on Nitish Reddy's ton in 4th BGT 2024-25 Test

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar reckons Nitish Kumar Reddy's maiden Test ton against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday, December 28 must rank as one of the greatest centuries in Indian cricket history. The Indian batting legend said that he's hopeful of Reddy coming up with many more such brilliant knocks in the near future.

Reddy, 21, was the standout performer for India on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG. Responding to Australia's first innings total of 474, the visitors were in big trouble at 221-7. However, Reddy and Washington Sundar (50) added 127 for the eighth wicket to lead India's commendable fightback.

Reddy, who has been one of the finds of the tour for India, notched up his maiden Test hundred and was unbeaten on 105 at stumps on Day 3, with India having recovered to 358-9. A delighted Gavaskar praised the youngster from Andhra Pradesh (as quoted by The Times of India):

"This century by Nitish Kumar Reddy must rank as one of the greatest hundreds in the history of Indian cricket."

Gavaskar also hoped that the right-handed batter's ton in Melbourne is the first of many more special knocks to come.

"This is the first Test hundred and he is going to score many more in the near future. I am expecting to see him among the runs in the future. He is a star of the Indian cricket," Gavaskar added.

Reddy is the latest in the growing list of Indian cricketers to have made it to the international stage from very humble beginnings. Gavaskar urged the 21-year-old to remember the sacrifices made by his father and not take things for granted.

"However, he will have to remember the sacrifices made by his father and other members of the family. Nitish is here because of the Indian cricket, and he will have to make sure that he doesn't take Indian cricket for granted. If he stays true to himself, a successful career lies ahead of him," the Indian legend added.

Reddy struck 10 fours and a six in his unbeaten knock on Saturday and has faced 176 balls so far. The right-hander is the second-leading run-getter in BGT 2024-25, with 284 runs to his name from six innings.

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"He's playing nicely" - Scott Boland praises Nitish Reddy

There were some tense moments towards the end of Day 3 in Melbourne, as Reddy was stuck on 99 with one wicket in hand. He, however, held his nerve and reached a well-deserved hundred by lofting Scott Boland for a boundary.

“Yeah, obviously he's playing really nicely. Coming in down the middle, it's a lower-order, but he's sort of trying to put the pressure back on us. And he's playing nicely. He's been a young guy from India who's come through and strikes the ball really well. It looks like he's got pretty much every shot in the book," Boland said in praise of the Indian youngster after Day 3 of the MCG Test.

India trail Australia by 116 runs in the first innings, with one wicket in hand. For the Aussies, skipper Pat Cummins and Boland have claimed three scalps each, while off spinner Nathan Lyon has picked up two.