After a stunning win in Perth, India were given a harsh reality check on the opening day of the second Test in Adelaide. The Aussies, led by Mitchell Starc’s 6/48, bundled the tourists out for 180 in two sessions. Rohit Sharma, who returned to the side after his paternity leave, scored just three while Yashasvi Jaiswal, fresh from his 161 in the previous game, scored one golden duck was out.

Virat Kohli managed just seven while Shubman Gill and KL Rahul had starts but failed to convert them into big scores. It all came crashing down for the Indians as they slipped from a comfortable 69/1 to 87/5. In fact, they wouldn’t have even done a 180 if it weren’t for a man. This is Nitish Reddy.

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In only his second Test, Nitish made 42 off 54 balls with three fours and three sixes. This came after he scored 41 and an unbeaten 38 in his first Test in Perth. He now averages 60.5 with 121 runs in three innings, one not out. Nitish fought fire with fire and counterattacked. It worked and India scored some valuable runs.

He was the only bright spot on a dark day. The shining light, you might say, in the midst of the horror show that was unfolding in Adelaide. He had already caused a stir in the IPL earlier this year and is now showing it at Test level. He also made his T20I debut against Bangladesh a few months back.

© X/BCCI

Nitish had humble beginnings but he strived to achieve his dream. It was his father who quit his job to focus on his son’s cricket career. It was a big sacrifice and is now paying off. Nitish’s breakthrough came in the 2017-18 Vijay Merchant Trophy when he scored 1237 runs at an average of 176.41. His entry into first-class cricket came in 2020 and since then he has been an integral part of domestic cricket.

His knock gave some respect to India’s total. Yes, 180 isn’t much, but imagine how bad it would have been if the young man hadn’t let his willow do the talking. As India looks to rebuild the Test team, Nitish could be part of the change if he continues to play like this. Of course there is still a long way to go, but he is on the right track. The man is a fan of Kohli and now shares the dressing room with him.