Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy silenced his doubters by scoring his maiden Test century on the third day of the ongoing 4th Test against Australia on Saturday. The 21-year-old remained unbeaten on day three with 105 at stumps after forming a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50) for the eighth wicket that took India to 385/9 in reply to Australia’s 474. His knock came after former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar questioned his place in the team and said that it was too early to consider him as an all-rounder.

Manjrekar had made these comments ahead of the ongoing Test in Melbourne while discussing India’s possible starting XI.

“Look, there is no doubt about the potential he has and how well he has played. But can we get 120 from someone batting at No. 8? He’s clearly not a bowler who can give you seven wickets like Shardul Thakur.” Is he good enough at this point to be played as a pure batsman by taking someone out of shape? Then his bowling isn’t good enough to make him a bowler “It’s too early to consider him as a batting all-rounder,” Manjrekar had said during an interaction on ESPNcricinfo.

However, PUMA Cricket took a dig at Manjrekar and highlighted his old comments about the player. For those unfamiliar, Reddy is sponsored by PUMA.

On social media, PUMA responded to an old tweet by Manjrekar from its cricket team. PUMA shared a picture of Reddy ‘staying silent’ during an official photoshoot with them.

https://t.co/JlrL7DXTFf pic.twitter.com/MhCQ0ZBc7L

— PUMA Cricket (@pumacricket) December 28, 2024

Meanwhile, Reddy’s resilient century was peppered with 10 fours and a maximum as India successfully avoided the follow-on threat and kept Australia at bay throughout the day after losing Rishabh Pant (28) and Ravindra Jadeja (17) at the start of the third day.

Reddy will be in the spotlight again on Sunday as India are still trailing by 116 runs. With tailback Mohammed Siraj at the other end, the youngster will look to reduce the deficit to give the Indian bowlers an advantage in the game.

(With ANI inputs)