New Delhi: On December 28, 2024, Nitish Kumar Reddy made history in Indian cricket by scoring his maiden Test century at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Batting at No. 8, he reached the landmark with a boundary on his 171st delivery, finishing unbeaten on 100. This remarkable innings demonstrated his calmness under pressure and earned him the distinction of being the first Indian No. 8 to score a century in Australia.
While Nitish celebrated on the field, the spotlight turned to his father, Mutyala Reddy, who was present in the stands. Mutyala’s emotional reactionโcheers, applause, and tears of joyโwas captured live, moving millions of viewers. During a post-match interview, he shared his feelings, saying, “Today is a special moment. Special day. We cannot forget this day in our life.”
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Mutyalaโs journey to see this moment was nothing short of extraordinary. Retiring from his job 25 years ago, he dedicated his life to nurturing Nitishโs cricketing dreams. Facing financial hardships and criticism from relatives, Mutyala remained unwavering in his support, ensuring his son had every opportunity to pursue his passion.
Commentators and analysts lauded Nitishโs performance and the emotional narrative surrounding it. Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said, “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of both Nitish and his father.” The commentary box echoed praise for Nitishโs composure and determination during a challenging phase of the game.
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The father-son moment resonated widely on social media, where videos of Mutyalaโs reaction went viral. Fans poured in messages of admiration for the sacrifices made by Mutyala and the determination shown by Nitish. One user tweeted, โBehind every great player is an even greater story of sacrifice and love.โ
Nitishโs century was more than a personal milestone; it symbolized the power of dreams, dedication, and the unyielding support of a parent. As India celebrated this historic moment, it reminded everyone that behind every victory lies a story of immense perseverance and sacrifice.
