Nitish Kumar Reddy is fast becoming a household name in Indian cricket. From his humble beginnings in Andhra Pradesh to scoring centuries in Australia, his journey is one of dedication, talent, and family support. Let’s take a detailed look at the inspiring story of this young all-rounder who has already started making waves on the international stage.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Born on 26 May 2003 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Nitish Kumar Reddy grew up in a family that believed in his dreams. His father, Mutyala Reddy, worked for Hindustan Zinc but gave up his job to support his son’s cricketing ambitions. This bold step laid the foundation for Nitish’s future in cricket.
At the age of five, Nitish started playing cricket with a plastic bat. He would often watch seniors practice at the Hindustan Zinc grounds. With his father’s complete dedication, Nitish joined the VDCA cricket camps, where he trained under coaches Kumara Swamy, Krishna Rao, and Watekar.
“I was 12 or 13 when my dad quit his job. He was afraid of the politics that might affect my game. He’s the first person who believed in me,” said Nitish in an interview.
Discovery and Junior Cricket Success
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s raw talent didn’t go unnoticed. Former Indian cricketer and selector MSK Prasad spotted him during Under-12 and Under-14 tournaments. Nitish was soon training at the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) Academy in Kadapa, under Madhusudhana Reddy and Srinivasa Rao.
His breakout came in the 2017–18 Vijay Merchant Trophy. Nitish scored a stunning 441 runs against Nagaland, smashing records. He ended the tournament with 1237 runs at an average of 176.41, along with 26 wickets—a phenomenal all-round performance.
Awards and Achievements (Under-16)
| Year | Tournament | Runs | Wickets | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Vijay Merchant Trophy | 1237 | 26 | BCCI ‘Best Cricketer Under-16’ Jagmohan Dalmiya Award |
He became the first ACA player to receive this prestigious BCCI award.
IPL Journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad
Nitish was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs. 20 Lakh in the 2023 IPL auction. Although he only played two matches that season, his potential was evident.
The 2024 IPL season was his true breakout moment. He scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 142, played crucial knocks against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, and even picked up 3 wickets.
His impressive form earned him the Emerging Player of the Year Award in 2024. Recognising his value, SRH retained him for Rs. 6 Crore in the 2025 IPL Auction.
International Debut and T20I Glory
Nitish Kumar Reddy made his T20I debut for India on 6 October 2024 against Bangladesh in Gwalior. While his first game yielded a modest 16 runs off 15 balls, it was the second T20 match in Delhi that changed everything.
Read More Article: Click Here
Second T20I vs Bangladesh:
- Runs Scored: 74 off 35 balls (Strike Rate: 217)
- Wickets Taken: 2 for 23
- Award: Player of the Match
His aggressive batting and disciplined bowling earned him national attention and a place in the Test squad for the Border–Gavaskar Trophy.
Test Debut and Century in Australia
Nitish made his Test debut for India on 22 November 2024, in Perth, during the Border–Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. His consistency stood out in a tough series.
- Debut Test: 41 & 38* runs in 1st and 2nd innings
- Second Test: Top scored with 42 runs in both innings
- Fourth Test: Scored maiden Test century at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) while batting at No.8
He built a 128-run partnership with Washington Sundar, rescuing India from a tough position. His century was historic — it was the first ever by an Indian No.8 batter in Australia.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Playing Style
Nitish is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler. He is known for:
- Clean hitting
- Quick footwork
- Calm under pressure
- Smart bowling with good variation
As an all-rounder, he brings crucial balance to the team.
Challenges and Determination
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey hasn’t been easy. Facing tough competition, family sacrifices, and high expectations, he has shown resilience at every step.
His story is not just about talent, but also about grit and the importance of supportive parenting in sports. His father’s decision to quit his job, though risky, was a game-changer.
Future of Indian Cricket: A Promising All-Rounder
With his current form and potential, Nitish Kumar Reddy is seen as the next big all-rounder for India. His ability to perform under pressure, both with bat and ball, makes him a valuable asset in all formats of the game.
As India looks for dependable young talents to fill key roles, Nitish’s rise is timely and much needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Nitish Kumar Reddy?
Nitish Kumar Reddy is an Indian cricketer and all-rounder who plays for Andhra in domestic cricket and Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL. He has recently debuted in both T20I and Test formats for India.
2. When did Nitish Kumar Reddy make his international debut?
He made his T20I debut on 6 October 2024 and his Test debut on 22 November 2024.
3. What is Nitish Kumar Reddy’s playing style?
He is a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler. Known for power hitting and smart bowling.
4. Which IPL team does he play for?
He plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and was retained in 2025 for Rs. 6 Crore.
5. What is his biggest achievement so far?
Scoring a Test century at MCG in December 2024 as a No.8 batter, the first Indian to do so in Australia.
Final Thoughts
Nitish Kumar Reddy has all the qualities of a future cricket superstar—technique, mental strength, fitness, and humility. His rise is a testament to hard work and family support. With age on his side and experience building, fans can expect to see him shine for India in the years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as this young cricketer continues to break records and win hearts.