The Rise of Nitish Kumar Reddy: From a Virat Kohli Admirer to Following Hardik Pandya’s Path
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey to becoming one of India’s most promising cricketing talents has been filled with challenges, hard work, and a determination that mirrors the qualities of his idols. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, despite facing numerous setbacks and personal sacrifices along the way.
The Call-Up and a Father’s Doubts
When the selectors announced Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in the squad for the T20 series against Bangladesh, his father, Mutyala, couldn’t help but feel a sense of apprehension. “Only rarely do we see players who are injured get back into the team straightaway. We know how difficult it is for an opportunity to come again,” he said, voicing his concerns about the timing of Nitish’s comeback. The memory of Nitish’s recent injury was still fresh in his mind.
Nitish had faced a significant setback when he was ruled out of the Zimbabwe tour due to a hernia, just a day after being selected for the squad. The pain of watching his son’s dreams momentarily shattered was intense for Mutyala. “The squad was announced and within 24 hours, this bad news came. Everyone felt sad. We did not know how big the injury was and were worried if he could get an opportunity for India again,” he recalls.
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However, despite this unfortunate turn of events, Nitish’s talent was undeniable. As a rare breed of seam-bowling all-rounders in India, it was only a matter of time before he made his mark. The selectors believed in his potential, bringing him back for the Bangladesh series, where he proved his worth in no time. The story of Nitish’s resurgence is reminiscent of the cinematic struggles and triumphs seen in the movies of his Tollywood idol, Mahesh Babu.
Early Life: The First Test of Adversity
Nitish’s journey was not always filled with glamorous highs. His first brush with adversity came at the age of 12 when his father was transferred from Visakhapatnam to Udaipur, Rajasthan, for his job at Hindustan Zinc. Faced with the prospect of moving to a new city where he did not speak the language, Nitish was torn. He had even started taking Hindi lessons to prepare himself for the move. However, in the end, his father made a significant sacrifice for his cricketing future by deciding to stay back in Visakhapatnam.
Mutyala’s decision to resign from his job and stay back was motivated solely by his belief in Nitish’s cricketing potential. This move was not well-received by the extended family, and financial difficulties soon followed. The early days of Nitish’s cricketing journey were marked by hardships, with his first cricket gear being a gift from his uncle, as his father couldn’t afford to buy it. Yet, despite these struggles, Mutyala remained unwavering in his support, convinced that his son was destined for greatness in cricket.
Dedication and Early Training
Nitish’s dedication to the game was evident from a young age. He trained at the VDCA Academy, where one of his coaches, Srinivas Reddy, described him as a quiet but highly motivated boy. “Right from that age, he was driven and committed, never missing a training session,” Reddy recalls. Nitish’s commitment to fitness and practice became a cornerstone of his development as a cricketer.
Initially, Nitish was primarily a batsman who occasionally bowled seam. His performance in the 2017-18 Vijay Merchant Trophy was extraordinary, where he scored a whopping 1,237 runs, including a remarkable quadruple century against Nagaland. However, when he joined the ACA Academy in Kadapa, his coaches advised him to focus more on his bowling to maximize his chances of advancing in the game.
The Influence of Fitness and Idols
Nitish’s transformation into a seam-bowling all-rounder was guided by his fitness obsession, inspired by his idol, Virat Kohli. Watching Kohli’s dedication to fitness and diet left a lasting impact on him. Even as a teenager, Nitish made it a point to observe and learn from his seniors, both in terms of game strategy and their approach to maintaining peak physical condition.
Nitish’s commitment to fitness grew stronger over the years, drawing advice from Indian cricket’s contemporary all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. His current diet and fitness routine, closely aligned with Pandya’s recommendations, reflect his dedication to becoming the best version of himself. “The diet which Nitish is following at the moment has been advised by Hardik. It is almost a similar diet,” his father confirms.
A Successor to Hardik Pandya?
There are high expectations from Nitish, with many touting him as a potential successor to Hardik Pandya. His skill set as a medium-pacer, capable of swinging the ball both ways and delivering brisk pace, combined with his aggressive batting style, makes him a versatile asset for any team. Nirmal Kumar, one of his mentors, even draws comparisons between Nitish and legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis, a testament to his all-round capabilities.
While these comparisons may be ambitious, there is no denying that Nitish has the raw talent and the determination to reach great heights. At just 21, with two IPL seasons under his belt and a few T20 Internationals to his name, Nitish remains a work in progress, constantly evolving as a player. His Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, Pat Cummins, highlights Nitish’s eagerness to learn and improve, describing him as someone who is always looking to add new dimensions to his game.
Power-Hitting and Mental Strength
Recognizing the need to enhance his power-hitting abilities, Nitish sought to refine his technique with the help of his coach Nirmal Kumar. The duo focused on improving his downswing and the art of transferring body weight during shots to maximize the distance of his hits. This training paid off in his recent performances, where he showcased his ability to hit massive sixes with ease.
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Nitish’s preparation for matches also includes listening to high-energy Telugu songs to get into the right mindset before stepping onto the field. This ritual helps him channel his energy and focus, contributing to his explosive performances on the pitch. His impressive innings of 74 off 34 balls in Delhi was a testament to his growing confidence and power-hitting prowess.
The Road Ahead
As Nitish Kumar Reddy continues to develop as a cricketer, he embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. His journey from idolizing Virat Kohli to following a diet recommended by Hardik Pandya symbolizes his commitment to becoming a top-tier all-rounder in Indian cricket. With each match, he inches closer to fulfilling his potential and making his mark on the international stage.
Despite the challenges and sacrifices, Nitish’s story is far from over. His willingness to learn, adapt, and overcome obstacles suggests that his best days are still ahead. As he works tirelessly to refine his skills and achieve his goals, Nitish Kumar Reddy is poised to become a name to reckon with in the world of cricket, a journey fueled by passion, perseverance, and an unyielding desire to succeed.
