Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, in a recent interview, opened up about his journey from prodigious youngster from Andhra Pradesh to possibly India's next seam bowling all-rounder. While speaking with ESPN Cricinfo, Reddy revealed his inspirations and his experience of being picked by the Sunrisers Hyderabad among other things
Nitish Kumar Reddy speaking about the message he received from Hardik Pandya, said, "Hardik bhai sent me a message saying the intent and energy I was giving on the field was good and to keep respecting the game. He said we would talk soon. I was shocked to see his message after the IPL season, especially since he was busy with World Cup duties. Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes are my inspirations for being an all-rounder. I replied, thanking him for his message."
Nitish Kumar Reddy reveals his cricketing idols
Talking about his cricketing idols, said, “I really admire Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. I’ve been a huge fan of RCB for the last 10 years. In 2023, I had the chance to meet Virat Kohli. I didn’t have much to ask him; I just wanted to shake his hand and get his autograph. In 2024, I was hoping to play well against RCB so that Virat Kohli would notice my game. Though I didn't get to bat in that match, he remembered my name during the post-match handshake. That meant a lot to me."
Nitish Kumar Reddy shares his auction day and getting picked by the SRH team, said, "I was expecting to get picked in the auction but didn't expect Sunrisers Hyderabad. It’s an honour to play for the home team. I called my father immediately, and he and my mother were crying happy tears. It meant a lot to me. Making my parents proud is what matters. When I got selected for India, I called my father, and he was so proud. Though I missed out due to injury, I was happy to have made him proud. I want to make India proud as well."
On his IPL experience so far, Nitish Reddy, said, "In the 2023 season, I didn't get a chance to bat in the IPL. I was selected for the under-23 Indian team and played three matches, but I didn't get to bat as well, as the top four batsmen would finish the game. I wanted people to notice that I can bat and I'm not just a bowler. I felt down because of not getting the chance to prove myself. When I went back home, I decided to prepare for facing 140-145 km/h deliveries. I practised a lot, facing 145-150 km/h deliveries from side-armers. I got hit a lot, but after a month, I started timing the ball well. I realized the importance of consistent practice. My shadow practice routine, doing nets and gym work at home, helped me a lot. In 2024, you can see how my game has changed."
Nitish Kumar Reddy discussed his earlier days of cricket, and said, "I still remember that my father heard the news of his transfer. Back in the day, 10-15 years ago, getting a government job was a big deal. If someone got one, they would celebrate because it was considered a permanent job. Everyone was trying for a government job at that time. My father left his government job for me, which was a big statement. I was around 11 or 12 years old and didn't understand much then. I didn't know Hindi well and had to take Hindi tuition. After my father resigned, it was a tough phase for our family. He tried a couple of businesses but was cheated by his own friends. It was even tough for him to buy a cricket kit for me. Thankfully, my uncle gifted me a bat, my first SS bat. I scored almost all my runs with that bat, and I still have it with me. It's special to me."
Speaking about the support he received in his initial days of cricket, he said, "Hanuma Vihari supported me. He brought me into the Ranji Trophy after a good season in under-16. He said it was too early for me to play Ranji Trophy, so I joined as an understudy to learn. The next year, he got me into the team. Even though he wasn't with me, he helped me gain experience. He told me it was just the start, and I needed to adapt to the situation."
(With inputs from press release)