Nitish Kumar Reddy, the talented 21-year-old all-rounder, has quickly made a mark in Indian cricket with his stellar performance in the second T20 match against Bangladesh. His impressive knock of 74 runs off just 34 balls and 2-23 with the ball helped India secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. But the journey to Team India was far from easy for this rising star.
Early Struggles and Family Support
Hailing from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s road to success was paved with hardships. Coming from a modest family background, Nitish’s father made a bold decision—he left his job to focus entirely on his son’s cricket career. Despite facing criticism and taunts from relatives, his father believed in Nitish’s potential. This dedication has finally paid off, as the young cricketer now dons the Indian jersey.
Nitish’s cricketing journey started at a young age, with his debut in first-class cricket for Andhra Pradesh in the 2020 Ranji Trophy. He quickly rose through the ranks, also showcasing his skills as a wicketkeeper and an all-rounder.
IPL Breakthrough with Sunrisers Hyderabad
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s big break came in IPL 2023 when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) picked him for his base price of Rs 20 lakh. Initially seen as a lower-order batsman, Nitish’s potential as an all-rounder shone through when he got the chance to bat at No. 4 after a solid performance against Punjab.
Playing in the IPL gave Nitish the opportunity to fine-tune his skills, especially with the guidance of the SRH coaching staff. His powerful innings against Bangladesh, where he smashed seven sixes and four boundaries, showcased the confidence and ability that SRH helped develop.
Learning from the Best: Morne Morkel and Gautam Gambhir
Nitish has attributed much of his recent success to the guidance he received from SRH’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel. Conversations with the former South African pacer helped Nitish work on his seam bowling, adding another weapon to his cricketing arsenal. Morkel’s advice, Nitish says, has played a crucial role in helping him maintain consistency and improve his bowling skills.
Another key influence in his career has been Gautam Gambhir, whom Nitish credits for instilling confidence in him. As head coach, Gambhir’s advice to trust his bowling instincts and think like a bowler rather than just a batsman has helped Nitish perform under pressure. Gambhir’s encouragement has been instrumental in shaping Nitish into the well-rounded cricketer he is today.
From Criticism to Applause
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey from a young cricketer facing criticism for his father’s decisions to becoming a key player for India is nothing short of inspirational. His all-round skills, coupled with the support of mentors like Morkel and Gambhir, have transformed him into a rising star on the Indian cricket scene. With his recent performances, Nitish has shown that hard work, determination, and support can help overcome any obstacle.
Nitish’s success story serves as a reminder that dreams can come true with perseverance, and his journey from Visakhapatnam to the international cricketing stage is only just beginning.
