Reddy’s Resilience: A Young Star on the Rise

Strength, struggle, and discipline are essential attributes for any aspiring sportsman. Nitish Reddy, a 20-year-old cricketer from Hyderabad, embodies these traits as he continues to evolve and impress on the field. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Reddy has shown glimpses of brilliance, demonstrating his potential to become one of cricket’s finest all-rounders.

Reddy’s performance this season highlighted his ability to handle pressure, particularly with the bat. Despite being only 20 years old and lacking extensive experience, he has displayed remarkable maturity in reading situations and responding effectively.

His ability to build partnerships and score runs quickly, thanks to his powerful swing and capability to hit out of the park, has caught the eye of many. Reddy is not just a batsman; his skills as a bowler and fielder round out his potential as a complete all-rounder.

This year, Reddy’s efforts in the IPL did not go unnoticed. Fast-tracked into the national squad based on his impressive 303 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 143 and his three wickets with lively seam-ups, Reddy’s future looked bright.

However, a sports hernia soon derailed his momentum, ruling him out of the national tour. Now, Reddy is focusing on regaining full fitness ahead of the domestic season, which kicks off with the Duleep Trophy on September 5.

“Fame is a funny thing,” Reddy muses during an interview in Bengaluru. “After the IPL, the same people who criticized my father for risking his career for me started praising him for his foresight. They got emotional when my India kit arrived.”

Reddy’s journey has not been without setbacks. Initially picked by Sunrisers for the 2023 IPL, he played only two matches that season. A call-up to the India Emerging squad for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last July seemed like a breakthrough, but Reddy did not get to bat in any of his three games.

“I was batting well, but my bowling was improving more [ahead of the 2023 IPL],” Reddy recalls. “SRH management asked me to be ready, but I couldn’t fit into the squad. When I finally got a chance towards the end of the season, I didn’t get to bat in my two games.”

Despite these challenges, Nitish Reddy remains focused on his goals. While he works on finishing his Bachelor of Arts degree, his primary ambition is to secure a place in the national team. “It’ll be emotional whenever I play, but for that I have to put in the work. Playing for India will be the biggest thing for my family,” he says.

“My ultimate goal is to be the best all-rounder in the world. I have that belief. It’s just about staying true to my game and being humble.”

As Nitish Reddy continues his journey, his resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.