Nitish Kumar Reddy stepped up with the bat for India on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In reply to Australia’s first innings total of 474, the visitors were reeling at 191/6 when Nitish arrived in the middle. Amidst intense pressure, the 21-year-old stitched a gritty 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar to keep India in the hunt.

While Sundar was dismissed for 50, Nitish held the one end firmly and batted with the tail-enders to bring up his hundred. He reached his three-figure mark with a lofted drive for a boundary over mid-on off Scott Boland.

The young all-rounder was rather emotional after achieving the milestone. He kneeled down, planted his bat with the helmet on top and then thanked the almighty.

Nitish Reddy’s father Mutyala Reddy was in attendance at the MCG stands. When his son notched up the landmark, he could not hold back his emotions.

With tears streaming down his face, Mutyala Reddy celebrated the moment with fellow spectators and his reaction went viral on social media.

Speaking after the play was stopped due to bad light, Nitish’s father reflected on the long journey that led to this monumental accomplishment.

“For our family, it’s a special day and we cannot forget this day in our life. He has been performing well since the age group of 14-15, and now in international cricket, it’s a very special feeling,” said Mutyala Reddy.

The proud father also talked about the tense moments leading up to the century, with only one wicket remaining.

“I was very tensed. Only the last wicket was remaining. Thankfully Siraj managed to survive,” he added, referring to Mohammed Siraj, who successfully blocked three balls from Pat Cummins to ensure Nitish wasn’t left stranded on 99.

Soon after Nitish Reddy’s ton, the players walked off the field due to bad light and the subsequent resulted in early stumps on Day 3.

India were 358/9 at the close of play with Reddy (105*) and Siraj (2*) at the crease, still 116 runs behind Australia.