Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes are my inspirations for being an all-rounder: Nitish Kumar Reddy

Andhra Pradesh cricketer Nitish Reddy marked his IPL debut in 2023 with Sunrisers Hyderabad but could get only two games in the season to display his abilities. However, the subsequent season turned out to be a great one for the all-rounder as he played 13 games with Hyderabad, scoring 303 runs with the highest score of 76*.

Reddy recently opened up about his cricketing idols and the appreciation he received from Hardik Pandya. The Hyderabad cricketer also opened up about his IPL experience, adding how he did not expect his home franchise to pick him up in the debut season.

Nitish Kumar Reddy speaking about the message he received from Hardik Pandya, as quoted 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."

Talking about his cricketing idols, said, “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."

Reddy shares his auction day and getting picked by the SRH team, said, "I was expecting to get picked in the auction but didn't expect Sunrisers Hyderabad. It’s an honor to play for the home team. I called my father immediately, and he and my mother were crying happy tears. It meant a lot to me. Making my parents proud is what matters. When I got selected for India, I called my father, and he was so proud. Though I missed out due to injury, I was happy to have made him proud. I want to make India proud as well."

Reddy highlighted the efforts he put in his batting post-2023 season of IPL where he didn't get much to bat. He practiced a lot against high-paced deliveries which was very much evident in his style of play during the recently-concluded season.

On his IPL experience so far, Reddy, said, "In the 2023 season, I didn't get a chance to bat in the IPL. I was selected for the under-23 Indian team and played three matches, but I didn't get to bat as well, as the top four batsmen would finish the game. I wanted people to notice that I can bat and I'm not just a bowler. I felt down because of not getting the chance to prove myself. When I went back home, I decided to prepare for facing 140-145 km/h deliveries. I practiced a lot, facing 145-150 km/h deliveries from side-armers. I got hit a lot, but after a month, I started timing the ball well. I realized the importance of consistent practice. My shadow practice routine, doing nets and gym work at home, helped me a lot. In 2024, you can see how my game has changed."