IPL 2024: Who is SRH youngster, Nitish Kumar Reddy?

IPL 2024: Who is Sunrisers Hyderabad youngster, Nitish Kumar Reddy? All you need to know about Nitish Reddy?

Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 37-ball 64 vs Punjab (Images: ©BCCI/IPLT20)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have witnessed some of the most powerful hitters in cricket. Among the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Henrich Klassen, Aiden Markram and Travis Head; Nitish Kumar Reddy, a name that resonates with promise and potential, has firmly etched his presence. He has showcased his prowess with both bat and ball in the recent times.

Former Andhra cricketer Hanuma Vihari, also a member of the Indian cricket team, has attributed Reddy's rise to his relentless dedication and sacrifices made by his family in nurturing his talent. His father, Mutyala Reddy, supported his dream by quitting his job to help Nitish pursue cricket. He has also faced questions from relatives. However, his father believed in him and dedicated himself to Nitish’s cricket career.

Genesis of his cricketing journey 

Nitish’s cricket journey began when he was 5 years old, playing with a plastic bat. He used to watch older players at the Hindustan Zinc grounds and developed a passion for the game.

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.

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Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden IPL fifty (Images: ©BCCI/IPLT20)

Early flourishes to IPL glory 

It was his power-packed performance in the Vijay Merchant Trophy 2017-18 that announced his arrival on the domestic cricket circuit. Opening the batting with daring flair, Reddy left a trail of destruction in his wake, leading to a jaw-dropping quadruple century against Nagaland. His record-breaking spree, registering 1237 runs, catapulted him into the limelight, drawing accolades from all quarters.

Through the ups and downs of his career, Nitish Reddy never wavered in his resolve. In 2023, he made his debut for Andhra Pradesh and performed magnificently, scoring his maiden first-class half-century. This marked a turning point in his career, which caught selectors' attention and paved the way for him to enter the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL).

In the IPL 2023, Reddy was selected in the final round of the auction and signed a contract with SRH, which was a sign of 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 journey continued to gather momentum, with notable performances in domestic cricket, including a scintillating five-wicket haul against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.

The pinnacle of Reddy's career came to fruition 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, he rescued the Sunrisers from the brink of collapse with a blistering innings, earning praise from teammates and opponents alike. Reddy hammered a match-winning 37-ball 64 to revive the innings.

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Is Nitish Kumar Reddy the all-rounder India have been wanting?

Pat Cummins, in the post-match ceremony of the thrilling encounter between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and SRH, lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy's scintillating performance, hailing him as a game-changer with his explosive batting and crucial contributions with the ball. Indeed, Reddy's ability to seize the moment and deliver under pressure underscores his potential to be a future stalwart for both 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. In the circumstances, Nitish Kumar Reddy stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the nation. The Andhra-born 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 his unwavering resolve and boundless talent, he continues to write his destiny on the hallowed turf, leaving an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of Indian cricket.

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