New Delhi: In a thrilling display of grit and determination, Nitish Kumar Reddy etched his name into the history books by scoring his maiden Test century against Australia. Batting at No. 8, he became the first Indian to achieve this feat Down Under, leaving fans and critics in awe.
The spotlight on Nitish’s performance grew brighter following comments by cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar. Before the match, Manjrekar had taken to social media, questioning Nitish’s inclusion in the team. “For better balance, should we consider dropping Nitish Kumar Reddy?” he tweeted, igniting debates among cricket enthusiasts.
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— PUMA Cricket (@pumacricket) December 28, 2024
However, Nitish’s bat did all the talking. Walking in when India was in trouble, he steadied the innings with a mix of defensive technique and aggressive stroke play. His century not only turned the tide in India’s favor but also silenced doubters, including Manjrekar.
The post-match buzz wasn’t just about Nitish’s heroics. Puma Cricket, his sponsor, added fuel to the fire by responding to Manjrekar’s pre-match tweet. Sharing a photo of Nitish celebrating his century with a “shut up” gesture, Puma’s caption read: “Sometimes, the best response is on the field. Take notes, Sanjay. Congrats, Nitish!”
This cheeky retort from the sportswear giant quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. Fans applauded Puma for standing by their ambassador while calling out Manjrekar’s premature criticism.
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One fan commented, “Nitish showed class on the field, and Puma showed class off it!” Another joked, “Manjrekar’s foot must be hurting after putting it in his mouth!”
Amid the frenzy, Manjrekar refrained from directly addressing the controversy but tweeted a congratulatory note to Nitish, calling his innings “exceptional.”
Nitish’s century is being hailed as a defining moment in his career. For many, it wasn’t just about the runs but the resilience and character he displayed under pressure. As for the social media drama, it served as a reminder that actions on the field speak louder than words off it.
With India eyeing victory and Nitish emerging as a hero, this match will be remembered for its on-field brilliance and off-field banter alike.