Nitish Reddy recalls leaving Pat Cummins in awe with stunning act in the nets
Published - 23 Jul 2024, 07:31 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:16 AM
Nitish Reddy, the Andhra all-rounder received his maiden India call-up for the T20I series against Zimbabwe. However, an ill-timed injury meant that he was ruled out from the series with Shivam Dube replacing him in the side.
He won the Emerging Player Of The Season Awad in IPL 2024 after scoring 303 runs in 11 innings with two fifties at a strike rate of 143 and taking three wickets with his seam bowling. The 21-year-old is now working his way back to full fitness as the new domestic season starts on September 5 with the Duleep Trophy.
In an exclusive interview, Nitish Reddy opened up on the hardships that he faced during the early days of his career. He further spoke about his injury that did not allow him to make his India debut and also spoke about impressing Pat Cummins at an SRH practice session. He said his goal is to become India's best all-rounder.
SRH all-rounder Nitish Reddy recalls his first meeting with Pat Cummins
Nitish Reddy recalled his call-up for a practice session arranged by the Andhra Cricket Association for the IPL trials. It was through these trials that his batting potential was identified.
"Then one day, I just called up ACA and requested them to help arrange a few side-armers who would hurl the ball [to me] at 140 clicks from 18 yards. I did not want anyone to tell me I am a lower-order batter. I wanted to show I have it in me to bat in the top order," Nitish told ESPNCricinfo.
He further spoke about how his batting talent impressed the Australian skipper Pat Cummins. As a result of his solid technique Reddy batted mostly in the top-order for Sunrisers Hyderabad throughout IPL 2024.
"They bowled bouncers. I got hit everywhere initially, but I told myself: come what may, I am going to face up and fight, build character and develop that no-defeat attitude. I continued this routine whenever I was training back home. That is perhaps why, coming into IPL 2024, I felt so confident playing at a proper pace. In the nets when Pat Cummins saw me react to pace, he was very impressed," he added.
Nitish Reddy only managed to take 3 wickets in IPL 2024, but he has already shown his quality with the ball in red-ball cricket for Andhra. The right-armer has played 17 first-class matches and has taken 52 wickets at an average of 22.96.
With Hardik Pandya no longer being the T20I captain of the side, Nitish can challenge him for the all-rounder's slot. His winning the Emerging Player Award in IPL 2024 was proof of his talent and what he is likely to present for India going forward.
