India all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has emerged as a pivotal figure in the Boxing Day Test here, has ushered in a new chapter of his Test career. He became the fifth Indian batsman to record a century in his debut match on this ground. However, it is noteworthy that Reddy, who occupies the No. 8 position in the batting order, originally batted as an opener during his junior cricket days. An off-spin bowler in his early years, he was advised by a renowned all-rounder from Team India to concentrate on his bowling, and the results have now become evident to the global audience. This all-rounder happens to be Hardik Pandya, a successful player in Team India’s white-ball format.

Currently, Reddy is recognised as a medium pace all-rounder, a transition from his previous bowling style. His impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Sunrisers Hyderabad garnered significant attention. Following a bout of back problems, Reddy went to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he was observed by Pandya.