Nitish Kumar Reddy reveals Hardik Pandya took care of young SRH all-rounder during his lowest time ever

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya showcased his class both on and off the field amid the pressure during the most significant tournament of his career—the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. Pandya was particularly impressed by an emerging talent in the IPL 2024.

Young Andhra all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made waves with his performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024, caught Pandya's attention when he was preparing for the T20 World Cup 2024 after Mumbai Indians’ (MI) early exit from the tournament.

Hardik Pandya's heartwarming gesture amidst T20 World Cup 2024 pressure revealed by Nitish Kumar Reddy

Reddy had a stellar season, amassing 303 runs with two half-centuries in 11 matches and also contributing with three wickets through his seam bowling, as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) advanced to the IPL 2024 final, where they suffered heavy defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

His stunning IPL 2024 season with SRH earned him a call-up to the Indian national team for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. Notably, the young all-rounder was named the 'Emerging Player of the Season' for his remarkable season. However, Reddy’s India debut was delayed due to a sports hernia injury, as he was ruled out of the Zimbabwe tour.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy opened up about the special gesture from Hardik Pandya, despite the T20 World Cup 2024 winner having a horrific time in the IPL 2024, and the news of his separation from Natasa Stankovic was all over social media.

However, in a heartwarming gesture, Pandya reached out to Reddy, commending him for his on-field intent and energy and encouraging him to keep respecting the game. Pandya's message, especially amidst his busy T20 World Cup 2024 schedule, came as a pleasant surprise to Reddy, who idolizes the Indian star and Ben Stokes for their all-rounder prowess.

Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes are my inspirations: Nitish Kumar Reddy

Reddy also expressed his gratitude to Pandya for his words, as he is one of his inspirations. Notably, Pandya was recently overlooked for India's T20I captaincy and announced separation from Stankovic.

Nitish Kumar Reddy was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “Hardik bhai sent me a message saying the intent and energy I was giving on the field was good and to keep respecting the game. He said we would talk soon. I was shocked to see his message after the IPL season, especially since he was busy with World Cup duties. Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes are my inspirations for being an all-rounder. I replied, thanking him for his message.”

Reddy also revealed that he has been an avid supporter of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the past decade. Recalling his first meeting with Virat Kohli, the youngster shared that he was thrilled to simply shake his hand and get his autograph. In the IPL 2024, he was hoping to deliver strong performances against RCB to catch Kohli's attention.

He added, “I really admire Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. I’ve been a huge fan of RCB for the last 10 years. In 2023, I had the chance to meet Virat Kohli. I didn’t have much to ask him; I just wanted to shake his hand and get his autograph. In 2024, I was hoping to play well against RCB so that Virat Kohli would notice my game. Though I didn't get to bat in that match, he remembered my name during the post-match handshake. That meant a lot to me.”