Nitish Kumar Achieves Milestone, Second Indian to Do So in 53 Years

New Delhi: Nitish Kumar Reddy has proven to be India’s most dependable batsman in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showcasing his talent with consistent valuable contributions every time he walks on to the field. Despite having only played 23 first-class matches prior to making his Test debut in Perth, Nitish left a strong impression with 41 runs in his debut innings and a quickfire 38* off 27 balls in the second innings.

The right-handed batsman scored 42 off 54 balls in the first innings of the Adelaide Test and followed it up with another quickfire 42 runs in the second innings. With this remarkable feat, Nitish Kumar Reddy became the first Indian in 53 years to achieve a significant milestone, joining cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar in an elite list.

Nitish Kumar Reddy has now become the first Indian since Sunil Gavaskar to top the run-scoring charts three times in the first four innings of his Test career. Gavaskar, who made his debut in 1971, had an equally impressive start, scoring 65 and 67 in his first Test. He then followed up with a brilliant 116 in the second Test and an unbeaten 64 in India’s second innings, marking an exceptional beginning to his career.

Sunil Gavaskar, the first batsman to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, was India’s top run-scorer in the second innings of the first Test and in both innings of the second Test, showcasing his dominance and consistency with the bat.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is currently in a rich vein of form with the bat and will be eager to break his wait for a half-century. In addition to his batting contributions, he has also made an impact with the ball, taking 2 wickets and showcasing his all-round skills.

Australia dominated India by 10 wickets in the second Test, leveling the series 1-1. Led by Pat Cummins, the Australian team bowled India out for just 180 in the first innings and posted a strong total of 337. India then struggled again in their second innings, managing only 175, leaving Australia with a target of just 19 runs, which they comfortably chased down.

The action now shifts to Brisbane’s Gabba, where the third Test will be held from December 14 to 18. India famously ended Australia’s 31-match unbeaten streak at the Gabba in 2021, adding to the historic rivalry between the two teams.