Nitish Kumar Reddy: Birth of a new star from Andhra

Melbourne: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s celebrations on the cricket field were a delightful homage to two iconic moments from Telugu cinema, underlining the deep influence of movies on the people from the Telugu states. His half-century celebration was a tribute to Allu Arjun’s signature move in Pushpa -- a stylish roll of the bat across his face, reminiscent of the actor’s palm sweep across his beard that became a cultural phenomenon.

When he reached his century, Nitish elevated his theatrics by reprising a famous moment from Prabhas’ Salaar.

These cinematic gestures not only highlighted his milestones but also celebrated the aura of Telugu superstars. From now onwards, with all things being equal, Nitish can be safely added to that long list of larger-than-life superstars. Not only in the Telugu states, but across the country just as the southern movie stars have extended their influence beyond the Vindhyas in recent years.

The build-up to his maiden century too was a moment straight out of a movie: tension and suspense hung in the air as Nitish stood on the brink of his maiden Test century. On 97, with a resolute Washington Sundar dismissed and just two tail-enders remaining, the anxiousness couldn’t have been more. Nitish’s decision to take a risky double off the last ball of Scott Boland’s over brought Jasprit Bumrah on strike for the next over from Pat Cummins, leaving India’s hopes precariously balanced.

Australia, needing just two wickets, struck swiftly -- Bumrah fell on the third ball of the over. Now, it was up to Mohammed Siraj to survive the remaining three deliveries and keep Nitish’s dream alive. The stadium held its collective breath as Siraj somehow weathered the storm, allowing Nitish one more chance at glory.

Calm and composed, Nitish seized the opportunity in style, driving the ball down the ground for a boundary to reach his hundred. The Melbourne Cricket Ground erupted in cheers, as did millions of fans back home in India. At just 21, Nitish, already a household name due to his IPL exploits with Sunrisers Hyderabad, had delivered under immense pressure, giving India a glimmer of hope in a match where Australia still held a clear upper hand.

But beyond the records and the applause, Nitish’s story is deeply rooted in the sacrifices of his father, Mutyala Reddy. Watching from the stands with his wife, Shailaja, and daughter, Tejaswi, Mutyala’s pride knew no bounds as his son shone on the grand stage.

“To be honest, I wasn’t serious about cricket when I was young,” Nitish had revealed in a recent interview with BCCI.tv. “My father left his job to support my career, enduring criticism and financial hardships. One day, I saw him crying because of our struggles, and it changed something in me. I knew I had to make it work. Giving him my first jersey was one of the happiest moments of my life.”

Mutyala’s sacrifices have paved the way for his son’s rise, and Nitish’s knock on the Boxing Day Test was a testament to that journey. Showcasing his red-ball potential under immense pressure, Nitish’s innings will be remembered for its elegance, timing, and grit, irrespective of the outcome.

For now, India has found a new hero in Nitish, but for him, his father will always be the hero of his story.