All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been named in India's squad for the Australia tour, and is also likely to be one of Sunrisers Hyderabad's retained players. Earlier this year, he sat down with Aadya Sharma to discuss his breakout IPL 2024, career aspirations, his idol Virat Kohli and more.
“I have just one goal: to be the best all-rounder in the world”.
Young but media-trained cricketers rarely make big proclamations in India. Not Nitish Kumar Reddy. He’s got big dreams, and he wants to talk about them.
Earlier this month, when Nitish put on the India kit for only the second time, you understood why that confidence wasn’t misplaced. A six-filled 74 off just 34 balls against Bangladesh, after being promoted at 25-2, was the opening statement in his quest for his one, true goal. Nerveless from start to finish, he walked back to a standing ovation by his new family in the dugout.
He was 13 off 12 at one point, struggling to get any lift on his shots. But at no point did he look out of place, chewing at his gum ever so calmly before the hits unlocked.
The world might just now be taking notice, but Nitish is already an up-and-coming name in Andhra Pradesh. The plaudits have been pouring in since the 21-year-old was named the Emerging Player of IPL 2024.
“Now everyone recognises me,” Nitish says, happily describing the reception back home. “If I'm going out, I have to wear a cap, maybe a mask. Actually, everyone was really sweet to me and congratulated me, and wanted the best for my career. Telugu [native] fans are so excited about me, and I'm really happy making them proud.”
The fan pages have started rolling out too: he already had half-a-million followers on Instagram before his India debut, a number that would skyrocket after his Bangladesh knock.
