India’s young batting all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy played a crucial innings during the third and deciding ODI against New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, scoring a confident 53 runs while celebrating his maiden ODI fifty with a trademark Pushpa celebration. Reddy’s knock came at a vital phase of India’s chase of a formidable target set by the Kiwis and provided much-needed stability alongside veteran batter Virat Kohli before he was dismissed trying to accelerate.
India’s middle-order fightback
India found themselves in a precarious position after losing early wickets in the run chase following New Zealand’s big 337 for 8, powered by a dominant partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. Reddy walked in with India under pressure, and his measured approach helped arrest the slide, easing the team past 150.
Alongside Kohli, Reddy put together a calming partnership, navigating a challenging bowling attack on a pitch that offered variable bounce and required careful shot selection. His batting combined calculated defence with aggressive intent, striking key boundaries to keep India in the hunt.
Maiden ODI fifty and celebration
Reddy reached his first ODI fifty off quality bowling, punctuating the milestone with a Pushpa style celebration that quickly trended among fans and on social media. The innings was highlighted by a decisive slog sweep for a six over deep mid-wicket that brought up his fifty and drew applause from the home crowd.
His knock, however, ended on 53 when he attempted to up the ante and play a boundary-seeking shot but mistimed it, resulting in his dismissal and leaving India still on the chase.
Reddy’s growing role in the Indian setup
Reddy’s performance illustrated his potential as an important middle-order contributor for India. Known for his ability to bat under pressure and chip in with useful overs when needed, he has steadily developed into a reliable all-round option since his debut and will take confidence from his fighting fifty in a high-stakes series decider.
