Nitish Kumar Reddy
Kaki Nitish Kumar Reddy (born May 26, 2003) is an Indian international cricketer and one of the brightest young all-rounders from Andhra Pradesh. A right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler, Nitish represents India and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his fearless attitude, sharp technique, and ability to deliver under pressure, Reddy has quickly become a household name among cricket fans in India.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Nitish Kumar Reddy was born on May 26, 2003, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. He grew up in a middle-class Telugu family with a deep love for cricket. From the age of five, Nitish showed remarkable athletic ability and a strong cricketing instinct. His parents encouraged his early interest in the game and provided constant support despite limited resources.
He was first noticed by former Indian selector MSK Prasad during U-12 and U-14 tournaments. Prasad identified his all-round potential and recommended him for training at the Andhra Cricket Academy in Kadapa. Under the academy’s professional guidance, Nitish’s raw talent developed into an exceptional all-round skill set.
Junior Career and Rise
Reddy’s breakthrough came during the 2017–18 Vijay Merchant Trophy, when he scored a mammoth 441 runs off just 345 balls against Nagaland — one of the most talked-about innings in junior Indian cricket. His overall tally of 1237 runs at an average of 176.41 remains a tournament record. His consistent performances earned him the BCCI Best U-16 Cricketer Award for that season.
As his batting flourished, Nitish began working on his seam bowling, evolving into a genuine fast-bowling all-rounder — a rare breed in Indian cricket. His ability to swing the ball and contribute valuable runs made him one of the most exciting prospects from the Andhra setup.
Domestic and IPL Career
Nitish made his first-class debut for Andhra in the 2019–20 Ranji Trophy. He quickly became one of their leading performers across formats, contributing both with bat and ball. His explosive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy caught the attention of IPL scouts.
In the 2023 IPL auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) picked him up for INR 20 lakhs. Though his debut season was quiet, he made a remarkable comeback in IPL 2024, scoring crucial fifties and delivering match-winning performances. His unbeaten 76 against Rajasthan Royals and 64 versus Punjab Kings helped SRH secure narrow victories and a spot in the final. He finished the season with 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.92 and was retained for a whopping INR 6 crore ahead of IPL 2025.
International Career
Reddy’s domestic and IPL success paved the way for his entry into international cricket. He made his T20I debut for India against Bangladesh in October 2024, where he scored a stunning 74 on debut, earning instant praise for his aggressive yet controlled batting. Later that year, he received his Test cap against Australia at Perth, scoring valuable runs on a fast-paced wicket and taking the crucial wicket of Mitchell Marsh.
By the end of 2024, Reddy had established himself as one of India’s most promising young all-rounders, earning comparisons to the likes of Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes for his balance of power and precision.
Playing Style and Strengths
Nitish Kumar Reddy is a rare all-rounder who combines elegant stroke play with disciplined seam bowling. His natural timing allows him to play both pace and spin effectively. With the ball, he relies on movement off the seam rather than express pace, often bowling tight spells in the middle overs. His temperament under pressure and adaptability across conditions make him an invaluable team player.
Records and Achievements
- Scored 441 runs in one innings in the 2017–18 Vijay Merchant Trophy.
- Holds the record for most runs in a single Vijay Merchant Trophy season (1237 runs, Avg 176.41).
- BCCI’s Best U-16 Cricketer (2018).
- IPL 2024: 303 runs at SR 142.92, including match-winning 76* vs RR.
- Made Test debut for India in 2024 and scored a Boxing Day century at MCG.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Kaki Nitish Kumar Reddy |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 26, 2003 (22 years) |
| Birth Place | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Role | Batting All-rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Medium Fast |
| Nickname | Nitish Reddy |
Recent Form
Batting
| Opponent | Score | Format | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | DNB | Test | 02 Oct 2025 |
| England | 30 & 13 | Test | 10 Jul 2025 |
| England | 1 & 1 | Test | 02 Jul 2025 |
| Australia | 0 & 4 | Test | 03 Jan 2025 |
Bowling
| Opponent | Wickets | Format | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 0/16 | Test | 02 Oct 2025 |
| England | 2/62 & 1/20 | Test | 10 Jul 2025 |
| Australia | 2/32 | Test | 03 Jan 2025 |
Teams Represented
- India
- Andhra
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- India A
- India B U19
- Bhimavaram Bulls
Nitish Kumar Reddy symbolizes the new generation of Indian cricket — fearless, versatile, and relentlessly hard-working. From scoring record-breaking hundreds in junior cricket to representing India across formats, his journey is a testament to talent backed by determination. With his best years ahead, Reddy continues to inspire young cricketers from Andhra and beyond.
