How Virat Kohli Played A Key Role In Nitish Reddy’s Maiden Test Century?

Kohli giving debut cap to Nitish Reddy [Source: @NitishKReddy/X.om]

The Day 3 of the Boxing-Day Test between India and Australia certainly belonged to India's young all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy. He came into bat at a precarious situation when the team needed a messiah and he stood tall like a brick wall.

Nitish Kumar has been one of the standout players for India in the series, however, the turning point came on Day 3 when he turned around the fortunes for his side and smacked his maiden Test ton to bring his team back in the match.

He stitched a crucial partnership with Washington Sundar and looked impeccable throughout his knock as the young SRH star became the third youngest Indian centurion on Australian soil. Rain played spoilsport towards the end of the day as India finished on 358/9, with Nitish Reddy batting at 105.

However, hardly anyone knows that India great, Virat Kohli played a key role in Nitish Kumar Reddy's hundred. It was Kohli's inspiring words which motivated the youngster to play the marathon innings.

"It is an unbelievable feeling. Can't express it. He has worked very hard for this day. He has given us the best Christmas and New Year's Gift. I thank God. Virat is his idol, he told Nitish, there's no substitute for hard work: Nitish Kumar Reddy's father," as quoted by RevSportz Correspondent, Subhayan Chakraborty.

Nitish Kumar's knock pushed Australia on the back-foot

For the first time in the Melbourne Test match, Australia are facing the heat, courtesy of Nitish Kumar Reddy. The visitors were staring at follow-on when they lost Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, however, Nitish Kumar, alongside Washington Sundar led India's comeback.

The duo added 127 runs and bailed the team out of a trickey situation. While Sundar scored a gritty 50, Reddy went one step ahead and notched up his maiden Test ton.

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