IND vs AUS: Nitish Kumar Reddy marks maiden Test 50 at MCG with 'Pushpa' celebration
Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy shines in the IND vs AUS series, scoring his maiden Test fifty at MCG. Known for clutch performances, he celebrated with the iconic "Thaggede Le" gesture from Pushpa, a moment that went viral on social media.
Over the course of the Test series against Australia, one batter who has been consistent is not legends like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, or even the heroic Rishabh Pant¡ªit is, surprisingly, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy! Since being added to the squad for the games Down Under, the all-rounder has been in terrific form, often helping pull the team out of difficult situations.
Now, in the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), he came to bat after India lost their top order. He played some impressive shots, including smashing a boundary to bring up his maiden Test half-century. He capitalised on a full-pitched delivery outside off stump, spotted the width, and confidently lofted the drive over the vacant point region, sending the ball racing to the boundary.
Reddy had previously scored a few 40s in the series but hadn't been able to convert them into a fifty¡ªuntil now. Finally, he has managed to register his first half-century on this tour.
His maiden Test 50 celebration
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been the find of the series for India. To celebrate his milestone, he performed the iconic "Thaggede Le" gesture from the Indian movie 'Pushpa' with his bat. His action and the video of it quickly went viral on social media, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter).
PUSHPA CELEBRATION BY NITISH KUMAR REDDY...!!! ?
¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 28, 2024
- Craze of Allu Arjun. pic.twitter.com/VdxZnuG7w0
A maiden 50 in Test cricket on the hallowed turf.
¡ª Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) December 28, 2024
Well played, Nitish Kumar Reddy ? pic.twitter.com/xRflRFh4G4
Flower Samjhe? fire hai!!!
¡ª mon (@4sacinom) December 28, 2024
Take a bow, Nitish Kumar Reddy ?? pic.twitter.com/cwrrC6pcR8
PUSHPA CELEBRATION BY NITISH KUMAR REDDY...!!! ?? pic.twitter.com/FQwosZLxsL
¡ª SunRisers OrangeArmy Official (@srhfansofficial) December 28, 2024
About IND vs AUS:
As of Day 3, India, in their 83.5th over, managed to avoid a follow-on. The Indian supporters in the crowd celebrated with a mini cheer and waved flags enthusiastically.
At the time of writing, India have scored 303 runs in 93 overs, with 7 wickets down and trailing by 171 runs. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are at the crease and going strong. The two all-rounders have built a 77-run partnership, and fans are hopeful they can maintain their momentum.
Earlier in the day, India lost both overnight batters¡ªRishabh Pant (28 off 37) and Ravindra Jadeja (17 off 51). For Australia, Scott Boland has been the standout bowler with three wickets so far, while Pat Cummins has taken two and Nathan Lyon has one to his name.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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