MSK Prasad denies calling Nitish Kumar Reddy ‘neither complete bowler nor complete batter’ after MCG ton

Former chief selector MSK Prasad has reacted to the news claiming that he questioned young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's role in the Indian team during the fourth Test against Australia. MSK Prasad, watching from the commentary panel, was seen in tears after Nitish Kumar Reddy's century.

There were reports suggesting that Prasad had raised concerns about Nitish Kumar's role in the Indian cricket team. The report stated that Prasad criticized the team management for picking Reddy. It also added that Prasad said that Reddy is not a complete player and cannot win matches for the team with his skills.

“Nitish Kumar Reddy has created confusion for the Indian team. He [Reddy] is neither a complete bowler nor a complete batter you can trust. This has created a lot of confusion,” Prasad was quoted as saying by TheSportingNews.

MSK Prasad Never Made Statements About Nitish Kumar Reddy's Skills

Times of India senior journalist Gaurav Gupta confirmed that MSK Prasad never made the statements attributed to him regarding Nitish Kumar. Prasad clarified to Gupta that he did not say those things, adding, "He is my kid."

"MSK Prasad has never said this..just now he told me he never said this.. "he is my kid," MSK told me!" Gupta wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

MSK Prasad has never said this..just now he told me he never said this.. "he is my kid," MSK told me! pic.twitter.com/N923nryCyF

— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) December 28, 2024

MSK Prasad in Tears as Nitish Kumar Reddy Reaches Maiden Century in Melbourne Test

MSK Prasad became emotional and teary-eyed when Nitish Reddy scored his century in the Boxing Day Test. Reddy was a surprising choice for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series in Australia. Reddy was first noticed by Prasad during his breakthrough in the Vijay Merchant Trophy.

MSK Prasad got emotional and tears in his eyes when Nitish Kumar Reddy completed his Hundred. pic.twitter.com/BPjw2rzmUJ

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 28, 2024

Nitish Kumar Reddy Scores Maiden Test Century for Team India

Nitish Reddy scored his maiden Test century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, December 28. The right-handed batter delivered an incredible knock under pressure. He added a crucial partnership with Washington Sundar when the Indian team lost seven wickets in the first innings.

He finished unbeaten on 105 off 176 balls with 10 fours and a six. His knock helped India avoid a quicker dismissal and reduced the deficit to 116 runs, with one wicket remaining. Reddy’s performance came after several smaller scores. At stumps, India was 358/9, with Reddy and Siraj at the crease.

Youngest at the Time of Maiden Test Century for India in Australia

Youngest Batters to Score a Test Hundred Batting at 8 or Below

Also read: Watch: Usman Khawaja suffers freak knee injury at MCG in a huge blow for Australia