Nitish Kumar Reddy: ‘I told myself I’m going to develop that no-defeat attitude’

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey to cricket stardom is a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, and relentless hard work. The 21-year-old all-rounder for Sunrisers Hyderabad has faced numerous challenges and early disappointments, yet he emerged as a breakout star, capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike. His story is not just about personal success but also about the unwavering support from his family, particularly his father, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for Reddy’s rise in the cricketing world.

Early Struggles and a Father’s Sacrifice

In 2016, when Reddy was just 13, his father, Mutyalu, made a life-altering decision. Mutyalu, who worked with Hindustan Zinc Limited in Visakhapatnam, was set to be transferred to Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Instead, he chose to quit his job to support his son’s burgeoning cricket career. Reddy had just been picked by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) at a district trial, a milestone that convinced Mutyalu to invest his time and resources into nurturing his son’s talent. This decision, however, came with its own set of challenges and societal pressures.

“He quit and invested the corpus he received into a microfinance business in Vizag [Visakhapatnam],” Reddy recalls. “But unfortunately, when the business didn’t do well, our own extended family and society started taunting him for his decision. They would disrespect him, and he’d be ignored.”

These early experiences of seeing his father struggle and face societal disdain fueled Reddy’s determination to succeed. He moved 700km away to join ACA’s residential academy in Kadapa, where he trained twice daily while attending middle school. Here, he not only honed his batting skills but also learned the intricacies of fast bowling, which later became a crucial aspect of his game.

Rising Through the Ranks

Reddy’s hard work began to pay off when he made waves in the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, scoring a triple-hundred against Tamil Nadu, 190 against Karnataka, and a quadruple century against Nagaland. He finished the 2017-18 tournament with a record 1237 runs. However, this early success turned out to be a double-edged sword. He admits he got “carried away” by the accolades and attention.

“I thought I’m naturally good. Everyone spoke highly about my technique, and I was flying. The following year, when I graduated to U-19s and flopped, I initially brushed it aside thinking it was a bad patch. But when I had a second bad season, it gave me a reality check.”

Frustrated by his failures, Reddy contemplated giving up bowling to focus solely on batting. However, his coach, Srinivas Reddy, dissuaded him from this idea, emphasizing the rarity and value of fast-bowling all-rounders.

“He sat me down and made me understand how I may have not even got those chances in the second year of U-19s had it not been for my bowling, because I was hardly scoring runs. He drilled into me how fast-bowling all-rounders are rare and it would be very silly of me to give it up at this point just because I had one bad season.”

Breakthrough with Sunrisers Hyderabad

Reddy’s breakthrough came when he was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for the IPL 2023. Although he played only two matches that season, his potential was evident. His real impact was felt in the 2024 season, where he scored 303 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 143 and picked up three wickets. His performance earned him a call-up to the Indian T20I squad for the tour of Zimbabwe, a moment that brought tears to his eyes.

“Fame is a funny thing,” Reddy reflects. “After the IPL, the same people who told my father how he was foolish to risk his career for me started praising him for his foresight.”

However, just as his international dreams were taking shape, a sports hernia ruled him out of the tour. Undeterred, Reddy is now working his way back to full fitness ahead of the domestic season, starting with the Duleep Trophy.

Overcoming Setbacks and Reinventing Himself

Reddy’s journey has not been without setbacks. An ankle injury in September ruled him out of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a critical tournament for form and fitness ahead of the IPL. This period of inactivity led to a phase of self-doubt and frustration.

“I was so dejected that I didn’t even go to the ground for three or four days at a stretch,” he admits. “Then one day, I just called up ACA and requested them to help arrange a few side-armers who would hurl the ball [to me] at 140 clicks from 18 yards.”

This intense training regime helped him regain his confidence. His performances in the IPL 2024, particularly against strong teams like Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings, demonstrated his ability to handle pressure and excel at the highest level.

Support System and Personal Interests

Beyond cricket, Reddy finds solace in video games, particularly PubG, which he describes as his go-to game for de-stressing. He is also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, although his primary focus remains on cricket. His relationship with his family, especially his father, continues to be a source of motivation and strength.

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

Future Aspirations and National Team Goals

Looking ahead, Reddy’s sights are firmly set on making a significant impact in the national team. His short-term goal is to regain full fitness and excel in the upcoming domestic season. Long-term, he aspires to be the best all-rounder in the world, a goal he believes is within reach with dedication and hard work.

“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.”

Reddy’s journey from a young boy facing societal disdain to a cricketing sensation is a story of resilience, hard work, and unwavering family support. As he continues to chase his dreams, his story serves as an inspiration to many young cricketers aspiring to make their mark in the world of sports.

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