Trailing a daunting total of 474 runs in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, India’s batting lineup largely faltered, leaving much to be desired. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal stood out early, crafting a resilient 82 runs, but no other batter managed to reach the half-century mark until a late-order partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar brought India back into contention.
The pair stitched together a crucial 127-run stand for the eighth wicket, steering India away from the threat of a follow-on. Nitish Kumar Reddy shone brightly, bringing up his maiden Test century and ending the day unbeaten on 105 runs. Washington Sundar provided valuable support with a composed 50 before falling, leaving Nitish to shoulder the responsibility with the tail.
Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri heaped praise on Reddy’s performance, calling for a change in his batting position to better utilize his potential.
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“The way he’s batted, this should be the last time he bats at number seven,” Ravi Shastri remarked during commentary. “For the team’s balance, he needs to move up to five or six. That would allow the team to play five bowlers capable of taking 20 wickets. He’s shown enough confidence to warrant that shift.”
Ravi Shastri further emphasized how Reddy’s promotion could influence team dynamics: “If he bats in the top six, the entire balance changes. Heading to Sydney, having him in the top six could provide a critical edge while enabling the team to play an additional bowler.”
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As Day 3 concluded with India at 358/9, trailing by 116 runs, the focus now shifts to Reddy’s approach in the first session of Day 4. The young batter has displayed remarkable maturity under pressure, but with minimal support left at the other end, the challenge will be to bridge the deficit and give India a fighting chance. Reddy’s heroics and Sundar’s steady hand have kept India in the contest, but the road ahead remains steep.
