Nitish Kumar Reddy is an exciting young cricket player to watch. He is a talented batting all-rounder and a rising star in the IPL, praised for his ability to score under pressure and take important wickets. Reddy made headlines recently with a remarkable Test century at the MCG and has been recognized as a future key player for Indian cricket. This article explores his journey from Visakhapatnam to representing India. For exclusive cricket content, click here.
Early life and background
Nitish Kumar Reddy age is 21, he was born on May 26, 2003, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. From very early in his life, he appeared to be destined for that sport. While others dreamt of becoming astronauts or movie stars, for Nitish, it was only cricket, cricket, and more cricket.
His father, Mutyala Reddy, deserves a standing ovation for his role in Nitish’s journey. He wasn’t just a supportive parent — he was the backbone of Nitish’s cricketing dreams. Back in 2016, Mutyala made a decision that few would dare — he quit his stable job at Hindustan Zinc to focus entirely on his son’s career. No safety net, no fallback plan — just pure faith in Nitish’s ability.
He awoke at the tender age of five to his prodigious artistry and after hearing his talent were the musings of the former Indian selector MSK Prasad, who finally pointed out that something special would come from the boy, and recommended turning and training at Andhra Cricket Academy in Kadapa. This moment would actually become the moment of game-on.
Rather; it was ingrained in him by his grit, grind, and never-give-up attitude since childhood. Indeed, from then on, Nitish has been honing himself painstakingly into fine shape as a batsman and as a medium-fast bowler-a rarity in Indian cricket. The world soon will be up to notice.
Domestic and IPL journey
Vijay Merchant Trophy: the breakout moment
When Nitish Kumar Reddy walked out to bat in the 2017-18 Vijay Merchant Trophy, no one quite expected the fireworks that followed. Not only did he start the tournament with a triple century, but he went on to smash a mind-blowing 441 off 345 balls against Nagaland. If that wasn’t enough, his record-breaking 1237 runs at an average of 176.41 made headlines across the cricketing world.
This performance earned him the BCCI’s Best U-16 Cricketer award — and just like that, he was on everyone’s radar.
Transition to senior cricket and IPL entry
Moving through the ranks, Reddy quickly became a key player for Andhra in domestic cricket. Not only did he evolve as a middle-order batter, but he also took the new ball, adding versatility to his game.
His performances caught the eye of IPL scouts, and ahead of the 2023 season, he was snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 20 lakhs. But let’s be honest — it wasn’t the fairy-tale debut season everyone had hoped for. Two games, five wicketless overs, and not even a chance to bat. A slow start, but a valuable learning experience.
IPL 2024 highlights
- 64 vs Punjab Kings – Helped SRH win by just one run in a thrilling last-over finish.
- 76 vs Rajasthan Royals* – A stunning knock that secured a two-run victory.
- 303 runs at an average of 33.67 with a strike rate of 142.93—big numbers for a young player.
The IPL is where stars are born, and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s rise in 2024 is proof of that.
International sports career of Nitish Kumar Reddy and major performances
T20I debut and instant impact
By the end of 2024, Nitish’s performances had forced the Indian selectors’ hand. He got the much-awaited India call-up, making his T20I debut against Bangladesh in October 2024. And what did he do? Announce himself in style.
Batting lower down the order, he hammered an electric 74 against Bangladesh, tearing apart the likes of Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan. This innings instantly earned him the “spin basher” label — someone who could dominate spinners with sheer aggression.
Test debut and border-gavaskar heroics
Then came the big moment — his Test debut against Australia at Perth in November 2024. If there were any doubts about his ability to handle red-ball cricket, they were put to rest immediately.
Nitish played a crucial role throughout the five-match Test series, bailing India out of tricky situations time and time again. The highlight? His stunning 114 at the MCG — his first-ever Test century on one of the grandest stages in cricket.
He wasn’t just about runs, though. He chipped in with crucial wickets, even dismissing the dangerous Mitchell Marsh in one of the matches. The all-round package was on full display, and India had found a new match-winner.
Nitish Kumar Reddy stats
A detailed table summarizing his career stats across formats.
Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Batting Avg | 100s | Wickets | Bowling Avg |
Test | 5 | 9 | 298 | 37.25 | 1 | 5 | 38.00 |
T20I | 4 | 3 | 90 | 45.00 | 0 | 3 | 23.67 |
IPL | 15 | 11 | 303 | 33.67 | 0 | 3 | 69.00 |
FC | 28 | 48 | 1077 | 23.93 | 2 | 61 | 27.88 |
Whether it’s his explosive strike rate in T20s, his match-winning knocks in IPL, or his Test century at the MCG, he has proven his worth on the grandest stages. And let’s not forget, he’s a handy bowler too — not just a part-time option, but someone who can make real impact with the ball.
Now, while we’ve already covered the detailed stats table earlier, let’s put it this way: for a 21-year-old, his numbers are already turning heads. A batting average of 37.25 in Tests, a solid T20I strike rate over 180, and an IPL season where he nearly touched 150 SR — this lad isn’t here to play it safe. He’s here to make a statement.
Strengths and playing style
So, what exactly makes Nitish Kumar Reddy cricketer stand out in this sport:
- Seam-Bowling All-Rounder (Gold Mine for Indian Cricket)
Let’s be honest — India doesn’t produce seam-bowling all-rounders often. They are as rare as a sunny day in Manchester. But in Nitish Kumar Reddy, India might have finally found the perfect balance. - Explosive T20 Hitter
You don’t walk into IPL and bat at a strike rate of 142+ unless you’ve got serious firepower. Reddy has the ability to clear the ropes at will, making him a dangerous finisher and a potential top-order aggressor. - Test Cricketer With a Strong Temperament
Unlike some of the modern-day white-ball specialists, Nitish is someone who can grind it out in Test cricket too. His 114 at the MCG wasn’t just about runs, it was about handling pressure. - Bowling With Purpose
He’s not just a token bowler. His fast-medium pace, ability to move the ball, and knack for breaking partnerships make him an asset in all formats. - Big-Game Mentality
Whether it’s IPL, T20Is, or Tests, he has already delivered when it matters most. He doesn’t crumble under pressure — he thrives in it. And that is what makes him special.
Top 5 career highlights
- 441-run knock in Vijay Merchant Trophy (2017-18) – One of the highest scores in junior cricket history.
- First IPL fifty (76) in 2024 – Helped SRH win a nail-biting thriller.
- Test century at MCG (114) in 2024 – Announced himself in red-ball cricket.
- T20I debut against Bangladesh (2024) – Scored match-winning 74 in his first game.
- Breakthrough IPL season in 2024 – 303 runs at an explosive 142.93 strike rate.
Recent challenges and injuries
Nitish Kumar Reddy faced his first major career setback early in his career when he was ruled out of the England T20I series (2025) with a side strain. This was not a mere injury but a result of international cricket’s burden on himself.
Aakash Chopra rightly said that it is serious stuff moving from domestic cricket to international cricket. That is where all the extra pressure comes in, and very high intensity makes your body pay the price. That is just what happened to Nitish.
“When you start playing international cricket, the workload is different. Maybe his body wasn’t ready for it, and he broke down.” — Aakash Chopra
Shivam Dube and Ramandeep Singh were called up as his replacements, leaving Reddy on the sidelines for rehabilitation.
But here’s the thing — great players bounce back stronger. And if we know anything about Nitish Kumar Reddy’s mentality, he’s not someone who stays down for long.
Nitish Kumar Reddy current teams
Despite this setback, he remains a key player across multiple teams:
- Domestic Team: Andhra (where his journey started)
- IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad (where he made a name for himself)
- National Team: India (both in Tests & T20Is)
- Previously Played For: India U-19 B, India A
With IPL 2025 and more international opportunities ahead, expect him to comeback soon.
Personal life: beyond cricket
Now, cricket aside, what’s Nitish like off the field?
1. Family First
Nitish has always been extremely close to his father, Mutyala Reddy. The man left his job to support his son’s career, and it’s clear that Nitish hasn’t forgotten that sacrifice.
2. Love Life? Nope. Just Cricket
If you’re expecting some big Bollywood-style love story, you’re in for disappointment. Nitish Kumar Reddy is 100% focused on his game. No rumors, no distractions — just pure dedication to cricket.
3. A South Indian Cinema Buff
One of the rare glimpses into his personal life? His love for Mahesh Babu movies. In fact, he once called meeting the actor a “dream come true”.
Lessons from Nitish Kumar Reddy journey
- Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
- Family support is crucial to success.
- Overcoming setbacks makes champions.
- Staying humble and focused leads to long-term success.
- Never give up, no matter the challenges.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s growth story passes through lanes of perseverance, talent, and hunger for success. From his formative days of sharpening skills under the able eye of his father all the way to domestic, IPL, and international cricket, he has walked all odds thrown against him at every stage. His ability to step up in crucial moments, adjust to different formats of the game, and not just bat but also bowl makes him a great asset for the future of Indian cricket.
But perhaps what truly sets Reddy apart is not his number or his accolades but his mindset. He thrives on challenges, loves fighting, and keeps on challenging himself. Injuries and set-backs may halt his progress momentarily, though his fire and grit will ensure he comes back stronger every single time.
As Indian cricket looks ahead to the next era, Nitish Kumar Reddy symbolizes a new breed of fearless multi-faceted players who are ready to script their own destinies in this world. His story is still in the making; but certainly, the best is yet to come.
Nitish Kumar Reddy – FAQs (Rewritten in Micah Richards’ Style)
1. Who is Nitish Kumar Reddy?
Nitish Kumar Reddy is one of the most exciting all-rounders coming through Indian cricket. He’s got the power, the shots, and the confidence to back it up. With his ability to pile on runs under pressure and deliver key breakthroughs with the ball, he’s already making waves in domestic cricket, the IPL, and now on the international stage.
2. Where was Nitish Kumar Reddy born?
He hails from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh—a city that breathes cricket. Growing up, the streets were his first pitch, and from there, he worked his way to the biggest stages in the sport.
3. How did Nitish Kumar Reddy start his cricket journey?
His dad, Mutyala Reddy, saw something special in him early on—so much so that he quit his job to help his son chase the cricketing dream. That’s dedication! Add to that a recommendation from former India selector MSK Prasad, and the young lad found himself training at the Andhra Cricket Academy in Kadapa. The rest? It’s history in the making.
4. What was Nitish Kumar Reddy’s breakthrough moment in domestic cricket?
Talk about making a statement! In the 2017-18 Vijay Merchant Trophy, Reddy absolutely tore it up—scoring a ridiculous 441 runs in a single innings. Not just that, he ended the tournament with 1,237 runs at an average of 176.41. It wasn’t just a breakout moment; it was a full-blown arrival.
5. Which IPL team does Nitish Kumar Reddy play for?
He plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Picked up ahead of IPL 2023, it took him a season to settle, but by 2024, he was putting in match-winning performances.
6. What were Nitish Kumar Reddy’s standout performances in IPL 2024?
- 64 vs Punjab Kings – A clutch innings in a nail-biting one-run victory.
- 76 vs Rajasthan Royals* – Led his team to a tight two-run win.
- Overall: 303 runs, strike rate of 142.93, and an average of 33.67. A young star stepping up when it mattered most.
7. When did Nitish Kumar Reddy make his India debut?
He got his first call-up for India in October 2024 and wasted no time making an impression. In his T20I debut against Bangladesh, he smashed a rapid 74, announcing himself on the international stage in style.
8. How did Nitish Kumar Reddy perform in Test cricket?
Not just a white-ball star! He made his Test debut against Australia at Perth in November 2024, and the moment of the series? His gritty 114 at the MCG—a century that showed he’s got the technique and temperament for the long format too.
9. Has Nitish Kumar Reddy faced any injuries?
Yeah, and it was a tough one. He picked up a side strain in early 2025, forcing him out of India’s T20I series against England. But don’t worry—this lad’s got a warrior mentality. He’ll be back stronger, no doubt.
10. What teams has Nitish Kumar Reddy played for?
- Domestic: Andhra
- IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- International: India (Tests & T20Is)
- Past Teams: India U-19 B, India A
11. Is Nitish Kumar Reddy involved in any controversies?
No, he has maintained a clean image and is focused entirely on his cricket career.
12. What is known about Nitish Kumar Reddy’s personal life?
He is extremely close to his father, Mutyala Reddy, who sacrificed his job for Nitish’s career. From what we know, Reddy doesn’t have any relationship and is fully committed to his cricketing ambitions. He’s also a big fan of South Indian cinema, especially Mahesh Babu’s movies.
