Andhra all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has made an impressive start to his international cricket career. After showcasing his explosive batting during the Bangladesh T20Is at home, Reddy demonstrated his patience and composure with the bat during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 in Australia.
His contributions, including a crucial 40-plus innings in the first Test at Perth, have already made him a player to watch.
In a candid conversation with BCCI, Reddy shared how his admiration for Virat Kohli shaped his cricketing aspirations.
“This was a safety photo,” Reddy said, recalling a moment when he captured a candid picture of Kohli and Anushka Sharma at a BCCI event.
“At the time, he (Virat Kohli) was so famous. I felt that if I didn’t get a photo chance later, let’s take a picture now. It reminds me of my childhood dreams. From childhood, I was a huge fan of Virat bhaiya. I used to watch every match of his. I liked his celebrations a lot. Back then, I would calculate my age to see if he wouldn’t retire by the time I made my debut for India.”
Reddy’s dream came true when he received his first Test cap from Kohli ahead of the Perth Test.
“Now, playing alongside him, I was watching him get close to his hundred during the Perth Test. Even I didn’t realize I was close to my fifty—I needed just 12 more runs. But I was so pumped up when he got his 81st hundred. It was an unforgettable moment,” he reminisced.
Reddy also opened up about the sacrifices his father made to support his cricketing career.
“To be honest, I wasn’t very serious when I was young. My father left his job for me. One day, I saw him crying because of financial problems, and that was my turning point. I realized I couldn’t just enjoy cricket for fun. That’s when I decided to work hard. Within a year, things changed, and my efforts paid off,” Reddy shared emotionally.
He credited his father for his achievements.
“Everyone says, ‘Mutyala Reddy, you made your son go this far.’ As a middle-class family’s son, I’m proud to see my father happy now. I gave him my first jersey, and the happiness on his face made me immensely proud,” he added.
Reddy admitted to initial nervousness when joining the Indian team but found valuable guidance in KL Rahul.
“I was a bit nervous about interacting with the players. If I have any problems, I go to KL bhai. He gives me good vibes, and his advice works for me. Once, he said, ‘Macha, when you go out to the center, everything feels fast. Slow down the game.’ That advice helped me a lot, especially during my debut,” Reddy said, praising Rahul’s mentorship.
Looking ahead, Reddy aims to be a versatile asset for the team.
“I feel I can contribute in three dimensions—batting, bowling, and fielding. I just want to help the team in any way they need me,” he stated.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey, marked by determination, sacrifices, and dreams fulfilled, continues to inspire as he cements his place in the Indian team.