Andhra Pradesh and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has admired Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and former South African player AB de Villiers. After a strong performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) with SRH, where he won the ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ award, Nitish was selected for the Indian squad for […]
July 29, 2024
Andhra Pradesh and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has admired Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and former South African player AB de Villiers. After a strong performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) with SRH, where he won the ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ award, Nitish was selected for the Indian squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, he couldn’t play due to a sports hernia but made a notable impression with his 303 runs in 11 innings, two fifties, a strike rate of 143, and three wickets.
At 21, Nitish is focused on regaining full fitness as the new domestic season begins with the Duleep Trophy on September 5.
In an engaging interview with Star Sports, Nitish opened up about his deep-rooted passion for cricket, a sport that has been a significant part of his life for as long as he can remember. He expressed his long-time fandom for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a team that has captured the hearts of many cricket enthusiasts with its dynamic style of play and star-studded lineup. Nitish’s admiration for RCB is particularly centered around their former captain, Virat Kohli, whose remarkable career and dedication to the game have inspired countless young cricketers, including Nitish himself.
During the interview, Nitish recounted the unforgettable experience of meeting Virat Kohli in 2023, a moment that he had long dreamed of. The encounter was not just a personal highlight for him; it symbolized the culmination of years of following Kohli’s career and idolizing his achievements on the field. Nitish shared his hopes of catching Kohli’s attention during the 2024 IPL season, expressing his desire to make a mark in the tournament and perhaps even impress one of his cricketing heroes. This aspiration reflects not only his ambition as a player but also his unwavering love for the game and the figures who have shaped it.
Despite not getting the opportunity to bat against RCB in the matches he played, Nitish highlighted a significant moment that stood out to him during the encounter. After the match, during the customary post-match handshake, Virat Kohli remembered Nitish’s name, which left a lasting impression on him.
Nitish’s cricket journey began with a bang as he gained recognition in the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy with impressive scores, including a triple and quadruple century. This early success set the stage for his future achievements. In 2019, he briefly considered focusing only on batting but was encouraged by coach Srinivas Reddy to continue as an all-rounder. This led to his selection in an ACA camp and later inclusion in the Ranji squad, where he debuted in January 2020.
Nitish joined Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the 2023 IPL season, bringing with him a wealth of potential and talent that the franchise hoped to harness. However, despite the high expectations surrounding his inclusion in the squad, he found himself participating in only two matches during the tournament. Unfortunately, he did not get the opportunity to bat in either of those games, which limited his ability to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s performance on the field.
In addition to his involvement with SRH, Nitish was also named to India’s Emerging Players squad for the prestigious Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka. This selection was a testament to his growing reputation in Indian cricket and highlighted the faith that selectors had in his abilities as a promising young player. However, despite being part of the squad, he did not get the chance to take the field during the tournament, which was undoubtedly disappointing for him.
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