Nitish Kumar Reddy SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) next gen superstar set the IPL 2024 on fire with his scintillating performance against Punjab Kings (PBKS). In just his fourth IPL match, the Andhra Pradesh all-rounder announced his arrival on the big stage by smashing a sensational fifty, hitting 64 runs off 37 balls, including 5 sixes, in a crucial rescue act in Mullanpur on Tuesday.
Nitish Kumar Reddy makes the opportunity count
With SRH’s vaunted batting order collapsing to 27 for two and later 64 for four against the Punjab Kings, Nitish was promoted as stop-gap to number 4, ahead of Heinrich Klaasen and impact substitute Rahul Tripathi.
Coming into bat at No. 4, Nitish showcased maturity beyond his years as he steadied the SRH innings amidst a top-order collapse. With big names like Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Aiden Markram falling cheaply, it was Nitish who took charge, displaying a wide array of shots against the Punjab Kings’ bowling attack.
The Vizag boy sped off the blocks with a couple of boundaries against Harpreet Brar before smiting Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran for sixes in the space of three deliveries. He seized his opportunity with a massive 20-run over against Brar, cracking two sixes and as many fours, catapulting SRH to a match-winning total (182).
None of his teammates could cross 25.
He also chipped in with three overs of medium pace, merely four years after taking up bowling seriously. His maiden IPL wicket came with an adept slower bouncer getting the better of Jitesh Sharma in the 16th over, further denting PBKS’ hopes of a late charge. His impressive figures of 1 for 33 off three overs showcased his versatility as an all-rounder.
Overall, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s innings of 64 off 37 deliveries, featuring 4 boundaries and 5 sixes, was a testament to his talent and temperament under pressure. His knock lifted SRH to a competitive total of 182 for 9.
SRH captain Pat Cummins was effusive in his praise for Nitish’s all-round performance, describing him as “awesome” and emphasizing the impact of his innings on the team’s total. Nitish himself expressed satisfaction at being able to contribute to his team’s success, highlighting his belief in himself and his desire to perform in all aspects of the game.
Looking ahead, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance has certainly caught the eye of cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. With his talent, determination, and the faith shown in him by SRH, Nitish has the potential to become a standout player in the IPL and beyond. As Hanuma Vihari, his former teammate in Andhra Pradesh cricket quipped.
“Invest in him. He’s the next big thing, not just in franchise cricket,” India batter Hanuma Vihari quote tweeted an old post on X, shortly after his young statemate Nitish Kumar Reddy smashed 64 runs off 37 balls for SunRisers Hyderabad against Punjab Kings.
“Batter who can bowl medium pace. Rare commodity!” Vihari wrote further in his post.
In his early teens, Nitish worshipped India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli as he dominated a top-order batting role for Andhra in age-group cricket. Nitish’s breakout year was the 2017-18 season, where he rewrote the record books in the Vijay Merchant Trophy.
Nitish cracked 1,237 runs at an astounding average of 176.41 — the highest aggregate in the history of the tournament. Astonishingly, his run streak included a triple hundred, two centuries, two fifties and a 366-ball 441 against Nagaland.
Nitish was adjudged the ‘Best Cricketer in the Under-16’ category by the BCCI at the annual award function in 2018,
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey to the IPL has been one of dedication and hard work. Hailing from a humble background, he idolizes players like Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes. His performances in domestic cricket, including a stellar Ranji Trophy season with Andhra Pradesh, caught the attention of SRH scouts, leading to his selection at the IPL 2023 auction.
His recent meeting with his idol Virat Kohli during his debut IPL season was a memorable moment for Nitish, highlighting the significance of this opportunity on the grand stage of the IPL.
In the context of the match against PBKS, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s innings proved to be the defining factor in SRH’s victory. Despite a valiant effort from PBKS, particularly from Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, SRH’s total of 182 proved to be just enough as they secured a two-run win.
The game was a rollercoaster ride, with dropped catches and late heroics adding to the drama. Ultimately, SRH’s positive approach, led by Nitish’s fearless batting and effective bowling, sealed the victory.