IPL 2024: Who is Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) youngster, Nitish Kumar Reddy?

IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been fortunate to have some of the most powerful cricket hitters. Nitish Kumar Reddy, a promising and potential youngster, has established a strong presence alongside notable figures such as Abhishek Sharma, Henrich Klassen, Aiden Markram, and Travis Head. In recent times, he has demonstrated his exceptional skills with both bat and ball.

Former Andhra cricketer Hanuma Vihari, also a member of the Indian cricket team, credits Reddy's success to his family's unwavering dedication and sacrifices in nurturing his talent. Nitish's father, Mutyala Reddy, supported his cricket dream by quitting his job to assist him in his pursuit of the sport. He has also faced questions from relatives. However, his father believed in him and dedicated himself to Nitish’s cricket career.

Nitish’s cricketing journey to IPL glory

Nitish started his cricket journey at the age of five, playing with a plastic bat. He developed a passion for the game by watching older players at the Hindustan Zinc grounds.

Born on May 26, 2003, Nitish Reddy's journey to stardom is a clear-cut example of sheer determination and relentless pursuit of excellence. From the tender age of 15, he found himself in the spotlight, adjudged as the best cricketer in the Under-16 category, with a wish to stand with his idol, the India stalwart, Virat Kohli.

His impressive performance in the Vijay Merchant Trophy 2017-18 marked his entry into the domestic cricket circuit. Reddy, with a daring batting style, scored a jaw-dropping quadruple century against Nagaland, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. His record-breaking spree, registering 1237 runs, catapulted him into the limelight, drawing accolades from all quarters.

Nitish Reddy remained unwavering in his determination despite the challenges and setbacks that he faced throughout his career. In 2023, he made his debut for Andhra Pradesh, showcasing his exceptional performance, scoring his maiden first-class half-century. This marked a significant turning point in his career, attracting the attention of selectors and enabling him to enter the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL).

Reddy secured a contract with SRH in the final round of the IPL 2023 auction, showcasing his growing talent and potential. Under the mentorship of stalwarts like Brian Lara and Dale Steyn, Reddy honed his skills, refining his craft to meet the demands of the highest level of cricket.

Reddy's IPL debut in the 15th season of the cash-rich league was just a mere glimpse of big things to come, as he showed some class with both bat and ball, earning praise for his all-round capability. His cricket career gained momentum with notable performances in domestic cricket, such as a five-wicket haul against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.

The pinnacle of Reddy's career came to realization in the IPL 2024 season, as he showcased his brilliance on the field with a scintillating knock against the Punjab Kings. Stepping up to the challenge, Reddy's exceptional performance, including a match-winning 37-ball 64, saved the Sunrisers from collapse, earning praise from teammates and opponents.

Is Nitish Kumar Reddy, the all-rounder India has been eagerly awaiting?

Pat Cummins praised Nitish Kumar Reddy's performance in the post-match ceremony of the thrilling match between Punjab Kings and SRH, describing him as a game-changer with explosive batting and crucial contributions with the ball. Reddy's exceptional performance under pressure and ability to seize the moment demonstrates his potential to be a future stalwart for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Team India.

The 17th season of the IPL is witnessing significant prowess of the Indian youngsters rocking on the stage while some of the big names across the franchises have failed to perform. In these circumstances, Nitish Kumar Reddy is a source of hope and inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the nation. 

The Andhra-born all-round cricketer has also announced that he can be one of those all-rounders that the national team have been wanting for a long time. With unwavering determination and boundless talent, he continues to write his destiny on the hallowed turf, leaving an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of Indian cricket.

Cover Credits - IPLT20