Nitish Kumar Reddy’s unbeaten 105 at the MCG in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has captured the cricket world’s attention. The 21-year-old's knock, alongside Washington Sundar's 50, rescued India from a precarious 7-231. Reddy completed his maiden Test century with a boundary off Scott Boland, bringing tears of pride to his father in the stands. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lauded Reddy as a future star but cautioned him to honor the sacrifices of his family and remain grounded. “He must not take Indian cricket for granted,” Gavaskar stated, emphasizing humility and dedication for sustained success.

India’s World Test Championship (WTC) qualification hopes depend on the outcome of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. India is currently third in the WTC standings, behind South Africa and Australia. If India wins the series 3-1, they will qualify for the final. However, even with a loss or draw in Melbourne, India can still make it to the final, depending on the results of South Africa’s series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s series against Australia. India’s chances were bolstered by Nitish Kumar Reddy’s stunning maiden Test century, helping India stay competitive.

Nitish Reddy's maiden Test century and Washington Sundar's gritty 50 helped India reduce Australia's lead to 116 runs on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Reddy's unbeaten 105 and Sundar's 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket halted Australia's momentum after Nathan Lyon’s bowling put India at 221/7. Sundar fell to Lyon after a patient knock of 50 off 162 balls. Australia’s bowlers, led by Scott Boland, maintained pressure throughout the day. Early stumps were called due to rain, with India at 358/9, keeping the match intriguingly poised.

India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy created history in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, becoming the first Indian No.8 to score a century in Australia. The 21-year-old’s nervy 105-run knock saw him stuck in the 90s with one wicket remaining. His father, present at the stadium, prayed fervently and was moved to tears after Nitish hit a boundary to complete the milestone. Speaking to Adam Gilchrist, he called the day unforgettable and praised Mohammed Siraj for surviving Pat Cummins’ over. Nitish’s gritty performances have been key for India throughout the series, solidifying his impact on international cricket.

India’s reply to Australia’s 474 in the 4th Test was led by Nitish Reddy, who scored a historic 105* on Day 3 in Melbourne. Coming in at 191/6, Reddy’s 105 off 176 balls, including a 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50), helped India avoid the follow-on and reduce the deficit to 116 runs by stumps. Despite a resilient effort, heavy rain led to the early end of play. India finished Day 3 at 358/8, still trailing Australia by 116 runs, with hopes of continuing their fight tomorrow.

Magnus Carlsen, reigning World Rapid and Blitz champion, was disqualified from the 2024 tournament in New York for violating FIDE’s dress code. He wore jeans, explicitly prohibited in the regulations, and refused to change despite being fined $200. FIDE cited impartial application of rules, referencing Ian Nepomniachtchi, who complied after a similar infraction. Carlsen criticized the rules as “stupid” and declared his disinterest in future FIDE events. “It became a matter of principle for me,” Carlsen said, choosing not to appeal. FIDE defended the dress code, emphasizing professionalism and fairness for all participants.

The last rites of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92 on Thursday, will be conducted today at 11:45 am at Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi, with full military honours. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed a state funeral for the veteran leader, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. Known for his pivotal role in India's economic liberalization and landmark policies like NREGA, Dr. Singh was also a celebrated economist. Tributes have poured in from leaders worldwide, including the US, Canada, and Russia, acknowledging his immense contributions to global diplomacy and economic reform.

Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-out mix-up on Day 2 of the fourth Test at MCG has divided opinions. Jaiswal, batting on 82, was run out due to miscommunication. Sunil Gavaskar opined that while Kohli’s fitness could’ve completed the run, the risk was unnecessary at that stage. Justin Langer echoed this, citing Pat Cummins’ athletic prowess as a deterrent. The run-out triggered a collapse, with Kohli falling for 36 and India ending the day at 164/5, trailing Australia by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja remain at the crease, attempting to stabilize India’s innings.

Virat Kohli, Indian cricket star, reacted angrily to a fan’s taunt following his dismissal for 36 on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Provoked by the Australian crowd’s boos, Kohli began walking toward the spectator before an official intervened, calming him down. Earlier, Kohli showcased resilience during his 86-ball innings but lost rhythm after Yashasvi Jaiswal's run-out. The duo’s 102-run partnership had steadied India before Australia's resurgence left India at 164/5. The incident follows Kohli’s controversial altercation with Sam Konstas on Day 1, which resulted in a 20% match fee fine.

India's promising position on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne crumbled in a dramatic collapse. A 102-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) had steadied India at 153/2, but a disastrous 30 minutes saw them lose three wickets for 11 runs. Jaiswal’s run-out, followed by Kohli’s dismissal to Scott Boland, triggered the collapse. India ended the day at 164/5, trailing Australia by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) are at the crease as India faces a daunting task to avoid the follow-on.