Nitish Kumar Reddy‘s first memory of the IPL isn’t a glamorous one. It’s a misfield from 2023, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling and Nitish fielding at deep point. In domestic cricket, he learned to judge shots by the sound of the bat. But in the IPL, the noise was deafening, leaving him uncertain. He charged in, thinking the ball was sliced, only to miss it entirely.
Despite not batting in his first IPL season, Nitish’s memories of the game are clear. His second match this year saw him taking on a tough catch, showing his fielding prowess. He was trusted in key fielding positions, reflecting his value beyond batting and bowling.
In his state side Andhra, Nitish excels in both batting and bowling but primarily in first-class and List A formats. His T20 opportunities have been limited, but he impressed playing for Andhra, particularly with his bowling, claiming five-wicket hauls in consecutive seasons.
His batting earned him a spot in the SRH XI when Mayank Agarwal fell ill, highlighting his versatility. Nitish, once an opening bowler and batter in his Under-16 days, focused more on batting as he grew up.
His IPL debut with the bat wasn’t challenging, but he finished the game stylishly, hitting a switch-hit for four and a lofted six off Deepak Chahar.
In a recent match against challenging conditions, Nitish Kumar Reddy countered by attacking, particularly targeting spinners like Harpreet Brar. His captain praised his aggressive intent, preferring aggressive play over cautious scoring.
Nitish showcased his ability to adapt, hitting international bowlers for sixes and even bowling at a decent pace. His performance in the IPL could earn him recognition in India’s cricketing circles beyond the centrally contracted players. If he continues his good form, he could be part of India’s target group for emerging talents.