Nitish Kumar Reddy caught the world’s attention when he hit his maiden international century on the third day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. The 21-year-old walked into the middle as the visitors were in trouble at 191/6, still trailing by 283 runs. But playing only his 4th Test, Reddy showed nerves of steel and, against all odds, produced a fantastic performance against the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland.

Many people played key roles in Reddy’s life and helped him get to where he is, including MSK Prasad. Former India wicketkeeper and BCCI selection committee chairman Prasad discovered Reddy almost a decade ago. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Prasad could not contain his emotions and was at a loss for words after seeing the young man rescue India from the crisis.

“I think I’m at a loss for words. I’m a little emotional at the moment after seeing Nitesh perform so well for Team India, especially considering the situation we found ourselves in and the way he led the team during these difficult times . I think I am very emotional at first and then very proud,” said MSK Prasad.

Reddy found support in Washington Sundar and the duo put on 127 runs for the eighth wicket. Nitish Kumar Reddy could have been left stranded on 99 after Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah were dismissed in quick succession, but the youngster kept his composure and bowled out Scott Boland to complete a dream hundred, leaving his father with him Back in the stands with tears in his eyes.

“I don’t have the words to express my joy. Look at the levels he has reached. Before coming into this series, he played a few first-class games. But compared to his stats, how he has improved or improved his performance, especially here.” “It’s incredible to get a Test century against four top-class bowlers,” Prasad added.

“Three fast bowlers and a top-class spinner. To achieve this with such ease and convenience is incredible. I think he rose to the challenge. Many players have done very well in domestic cricket but have not been successful at the international level. But he is absolutely successful.” On the contrary, he has raised his level and made a name for himself.”

Talking about how he discovered Nitish, the former chief selector said, “I think it was 10 years ago when I was the director of Andhra Cricket. Before becoming a national selector, I was the director of Andhra cricket. 2013-14 We created residential academies that could provide free food, housing, clothing, coaching and everything else. The idea was to design these academies and that’s what we wanted Nitish was one we chose for the U14 academy.

“And just when his dad came and told me that he was going through a difficult time in his life, that he felt like his son was capable of playing at the next level. So he asked me to take a look. “I just saw a few balls and realized that this boy is placed in a U14 academy, at 21, now we see he is representing India and gets a century for India,” he further added.

Nitish Reddy, India’s leading run-scorer of BGT 2025-25

Nitish has consistently impressed everyone in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Before scoring a century, the right-handed batsman saved Team India several times. He started with scores of 41 and 38 not out in Perth and then scored 42 in both innings of the Adelaide Test, where no Indian batsman could get going. Reddy’s only bad score for him was the 16 runs he scored in India’s only innings at the Gabba, but he more than made up for that with a stunning hundred today.

“Not only did he make a statement, I think he also created an image for himself. If I had stayed and been in the stadium at the same time, my feelings would probably have been the same. I think I would have definitely hugged him and us.” “We expressed our feelings to each other,” Prasad said.

Nitish, who started as an all-rounder, hardly bowled in the series against Australia. However, Prasad said the experience of playing Down Under will stand Nitish in good stead.

“I think over time he himself will gain the kind of confidence that he will gain after this series. I think he himself will start adapting to the needs and requirements of the team,” said MSK Prasad.