India's all-round spin Washington Sundar showered rich praise upon Nitish Kumar Reddy for his strong mental stamina and technical approach during his outstanding innings in the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
The 21-year-old all-rounder smashed an incredible hundred to help India survive in the fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar added 127 runs for the eighth wicket to narrow the gap between India and Australia in the ongoing MCG Test.
Washington Sundar hails Nitish Kumar Reddy for mental strength and technical artistry after Boxing Day Test century
Having known Reddy for several years, Sundar highlighted the way the young Indian pace all-rounder handled the pressure, especially at crucial moments. He said Reddy showed great awareness, picking the right phases to score boundaries while being patient when needed to deal with difficult situations in the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Washington Sundar also believes Nitish Kumar Reddy's century will be remembered for a long time, especially as it came in a Boxing Day Test match, a moment his Indian teammate will surely cherish for a lifetime. Nitish remained unbeaten on 105 on Day 3 of the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test at the MCG.
This 100 will be talked about and remembered for a very, very long time: Washington Sundar
Speaking at the press conference after the end of Day 3 in Melbourne, Washington Sundar said of Nitish Reddy: “One thing for sure, he is very, very strong mentally. I mean, I've known him for a few years. The way he went about his business today was amazing. He made sure he picked those phases of the game where he thought he was going to get into some limits.”
The Indian further praised Reddy saying, “And he made sure he was also aware that we had to see through a few balls as well. When the going got a little tough for us. But yes, an incredible 100. I mean, this 100 will be talked about and remembered for a very, very long time. And the Boxing Day 100 Test, I think he'll remember it forever too.”
Washington Sundar further appreciated Nitish Kumar Reddy's dedication both on and off the field. Sundar revealed that Reddy always gives his best, giving 120% effort in everything, saying that everyone is impressed with the 21-year-old's commitment, strong work ethic and preparation. Sundar also noted that Nitish's success was not a surprise to him.
I knew something very special was coming: Sundar on Reddy's tune
Sundar further remarked, “One thing about Nitish is that whatever he does, on the field or off the field, he will give his 120%. This is his approach to life, not just cricket. And obviously we saw him quite closely during the IPL as well. His work ethic and the things he would do before every game, around the games, was really, really fun for all of us to watch. And I knew something very special was coming around the corner.”
Ultimately, Sundar explained that their focus in the key period after the team's break was to stay patient and get through the challenging 30-40 minutes. The Indian all-rounder also said that his communication with Reddy, knowing that the partnership was crucial, played a key role in forming a record partnership.
Sundar signed off by saying that they have not relaxed even though they have already added 80-90 runs in the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the MCG.