EXCLUSIVE | Struggle-torn Ukraine to cheering brother Nitish Kumar Reddy on the MCG: Tejaswi Reddy’s story can be considered one of resilience – Instances of India

MELBOURNE: When Russia invaded Ukraine again in 2022, the escalated tensions within the area resulted in quite a lot of Indian college students getting stranded. Hundreds have been pursuing larger research in-and-around the area and India cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy‘s sister Tejaswi was considered one of them. Learning drugs, Nitish’s elder sister managed to get again to India safely after a rescue operation and transferred herself to a college in Uzbekistan.
Because the household continued their cricket craze, Tejaswi stored her focus locked on larger research and all the time seemed to her youthful brother for inspiration. They’ve quite a lot of reminiscences from dwelling and now, after they take subsequent steps of their respective skilled careers, the 2 are having fun with one another’s success. Tejaswi was on the Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG) on Saturday when her brother scored his maiden worldwide hundred, and have become the toast of the nation. Feelings ran excessive within the stand which was swarmed by the members of the Bharat Military however the cameras have been locked on Nitish’s father, who had his palms folded, within the first row. And he wasn’t the one one praying for that one run.
“Me and my mother have been additionally praying close to the field. We stood close to the field and stored praying. It was a tense second for us and we have been confused whether or not to sit down or stand. We have been very tense and anxious and at last when (Mohammed) Siraj bhai gave a strike to him it occurred. We’re very grateful to Washington Sundar bhai in addition to Siraj bhai,” stated Tejaswi in a candid chat with TimesofIndia.com.

Reddy has been considered one of India’s most constant batters within the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy and whereas he was getting 40s within the fixtures earlier than, the massive one was saved for the largest stage of all of them. The second grew to become sweeter as his complete household, together with mom and father who flew in a foreign country for the primary time, have been within the stands to rejoice the milestone. Each mom and father have been initially hesitant to fly out as a result of language barrier however Nitish satisfied them to take the flight and watch the Boxing Day Take a look at from the stands.
“My mother and father initially hesitated to come back right here due to the language barrier, and so they have by no means been outdoors the nation. So it is their first worldwide (journey). However we advised them that these moments do not come again time and again. My brother stated, ‘Simply come. Simply come and watch.’ My uncle is right here in Australia, he lives in Australia and helps us out. All of us are staying collectively and having fun with household time,” added Tejaswi.
They could not have timed the journey higher and the Reddy’s have been busy answering telephone calls and responding to messages. They stunned Nitish with a go to to the workforce lodge afterward Saturday and the mother and father did not sleep a wink final night time and have been keenly wanting ahead to the fourth day as properly. Whereas Nitish did not final lengthy within the morning session, the very tender spoken and humble Reddy’s have been soaking within the consideration which got here their means.

The second of the day arrived through the lunch interval after they all met Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar within the broadcast room of the MCG. In a really touching video, Nitish’s father, Mutyala, goes down and touches the Indian legend’s toes. The mom and sister adopted earlier than they’d a small chat with Gavaskar.
“These are all of the completely satisfied moments, proper? All of the struggles… My father, each time he sees my brother on the bottom, he simply remembers all these days when he struggled, and now all of the struggles are gone. So all this comes into his thoughts, and all these are completely satisfied tears. These blessings are due to all these legends, they’re the inspiration to the youthful ones, proper? My father, when he was younger, they have been the legends of the sport and an inspiration for my father too,” stated Tejaswi on the emotional assembly with Gavaskar.

Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrates his century in opposition to Australia. (Picture by Quinn Rooney/Getty Photographs)

It has been near 24 hours since Nitish went down on one knee and planted the bat to rejoice his maiden Take a look at hundred. The telephone hasn’t stopped ringing and exhaustion could be very evident on everybody’s faces.
“My mother and father weren’t sleeping final night time. They have been completely satisfied, and so they did not sleep in any respect. Everybody is asking. It is busy. My telephone goes out of notifications on a regular basis. And clearly we had jet lag. We couldn’t sleep, and final night time, it was subsequent degree. No sleep in any respect,” she stated with a chuckle.
When this dialog was underway, Nitish’s father began cheering from his chair as Jasprit Bumrah picked the wicket of Travis Head. “Bumrah bhai,” he stated earlier than including, “Nitish… the catch”.
Each father and mom had a giant smile on their face and they might hope, and pray, it stays on until the top of the collection. The household shall be flying to Sydney subsequent however Nitish’s mom has already sorted the homecoming plan.
Mutton Gongura shall be prepared and served sizzling when her little boy returns dwelling after a memorable summer time Down Underneath.