Key Highlights:
Nitish Kumar Reddy has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. In a recent appearance on JioCinema’s Gen Bold, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) sensation shared the invaluable qualities he wishes to learn from Indian cricketing legends MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.
“From Dhoni, I would love to have his captaincy skills. From Kohli, I admire his aggression and passion for the game. And from Rohit, I would love to master his pull shot—it’s simply outstanding,” Reddy stated with admiration.
This blend of inspiration from three Indian greats mirrors Nitish Kumar Reddy’s own multi-faceted rise—from a domestic star to a potential national mainstay.
From Backyard Cricket to the IPL: Reddy’s Early Days
Nitish Kumar Reddy, born on May 26, 2003, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, started his cricketing journey with a plastic bat at the age of five. His father, Mutyala Reddy, was a pivotal force behind his development, quitting his job to support his son’s training.
His talent first made headlines during the 2017–18 Vijay Merchant Trophy, where Reddy scored a jaw-dropping 441 against Nagaland and finished the tournament with 1,237 runs—a record that propelled him into national visibility.
IPL Entry and Initial Struggles
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s first brush with the IPL came in 2023 when Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him at his base price of ₹20 lakh. His debut season was uneventful—two matches, five overs bowled without success, and no opportunity to bat.
But SRH saw potential. They retained him for IPL 2024, and that decision changed everything.
Breakthrough Performance in IPL 2024
IPL 2024 was a breakout season for Reddy. He scored 303 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 142.92. His 76 off 42 balls* against Rajasthan Royals, decorated with eight sixes, was one of the season’s standout knocks.
- 2 half-centuries
- 3 wickets with the ball
- Emerging Player of the Season award
SRH’s dynamic leadership under Pat Cummins and coaching from Daniel Vettori suited Reddy’s style. Their go-big-or-go-home batting strategy saw them cross 200 runs six times and 250 three times—a perfect system for Reddy to flourish.
Retained at a Whopping ₹6 Crore for IPL 2025
Recognizing his massive potential, SRH retained Reddy for IPL 2025 at a whopping ₹6 crore—an astronomical 2900% hike from his debut price. This made him the first player from Andhra Pradesh to be retained ahead of an IPL auction.
Rising Through the Ranks: Reddy’s International Debut
Thanks to his IPL heroics, Reddy made his T20I debut in October 2024 against Bangladesh. His 74 off 35 balls in the second T20I, scored at a blazing strike rate of 217, made headlines. He soon received a Test call-up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In a gripping Melbourne Test, Reddy scored a match-saving 105 at the MCG*, silencing critics and winning praise from cricketing stalwarts.
Overcoming Setbacks: Injury and Comeback
In January 2025, Reddy suffered a side strain injury during a T20I series against England. He recovered at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, passing fitness tests with flying colors. By March 2025, he was fully fit and rejoined SRH’s camp, ready for another explosive IPL season.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s IPL 2025 So Far
In IPL 2025, Reddy has already shown his ability to shift gears according to match situations:
- Against Rajasthan Royals: Scored 30 off 15 balls, setting the pace for SRH
- Against LSG: Played a measured knock of 32(28), showing his versatility
- Against DC: Unfortunately bagged a silver duck, but remains undeterred
A Generation Influenced by Legends
On Gen Bold, Reddy spoke about how the current Indian team is shaped by stalwarts like Kohli, Rohit, and Dhoni.
“This generation of Indian cricket has been shaped by legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and others. They have taken Indian cricket to new heights, and we aspire to carry forward their legacy,” he stated.
Friendly Rivalry: Facing Abhishek Sharma
When asked about one bowler he’d love to face, Reddy didn’t mention a foreign star or a seasoned pacer. Instead, he picked Abhishek Sharma, his SRH teammate.
“We have intense contests on the net, always challenging each other. I want to continue that competitive spirit in matches as well,” Reddy added.
Key Match to Watch: SRH vs MI at Wankhede
A much-anticipated moment in IPL 2025 is the upcoming SRH vs MI match on April 17. Reddy is expected to face off against Jasprit Bumrah, who he shared the dressing room with during the Test series in Australia. This head-to-head is expected to be a defining moment for both players.
What Makes Reddy a Player to Watch in 2025?
- Versatile batting: Capable of both anchoring and accelerating
- Useful bowler: Medium pace adds depth to the bowling unit
- Composed under pressure: Proven through international and IPL matches
- High cricketing IQ: Admires and learns from legends like Dhoni, Kohli, Rohit
- Loyal team player: Chose SRH over higher-paying offers from other franchises
Nitish Kumar Reddy – A Future Captain in the Making?
Nitish Kumar Reddy is not just a rising cricketer; he represents the next generation of Indian cricket. Drawing inspiration from MS Dhoni’s calm captaincy, Kohli’s fiery passion, and Rohit’s elegant pull shots, Reddy is stitching together a persona that’s both formidable and inspiring.
His performance in IPL 2025 will not just impact SRH’s chances, but could also shape India’s future in world cricket. From Visakhapatnam streets to the MCG and Wankhede, Reddy’s rise is a story of dreams, discipline, and determination.\
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