From fearless IPL finisher to international star—Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey is just getting started
Every IPL season brings to light a wave of fresh talent, and last year, Nitish Kumar Reddy was at the centre of attention. The young all-rounder from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captivated fans with his remarkable skills, leaving an indelible mark both with the bat and the ball. His fearless performances demonstrated commanding stroke play and an exceptional ability to excel under pressure, far exceeding his age.
By the end of the season, he emerged as a key figure in SRH’s journey and was ultimately awarded the Emerging Player of the Year. The IPL has once again revealed a rising star, capturing the hearts of fans everywhere!
Reddy wasn’t merely good—he was exceptional. Batting in the middle order, he scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.92, ensuring that SRH had the firepower to finish strongly in crucial matches. His finest moment came against the Rajasthan Royals, where he struck 76 off 42 balls, clearing the boundary eight times.
However, he was not just about runs—he also contributed with the ball, taking three wickets throughout the season. His all-around brilliance was a significant factor in SRH reaching the final before narrowly falling short against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
A stellar IPL season often leads to greater opportunities, and that is precisely what transpired with Reddy. His performances earned him a T20I debut for India against Bangladesh, marking his arrival on the international stage. However, it was in red-ball cricket that he truly made a statement.
During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he became India’s second-highest run-scorer in the series. Then came his most significant moment yet—a century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Boxing Day Test. From an IPL sensation to a Test centurion in a matter of months, Reddy proved he belonged at the highest level.
Just when everything appeared perfect, injury struck. Reddy suffered a side strain during the first T20I against England in January 2025, ruling him out for several months. With IPL 2025 on the horizon, fans wondered whether he would be fit in time.
Thankfully, there’s good news. He has now passed all fitness assessments at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), including the Yo-Yo Test, and is ready to return to action. His comeback couldn’t have been better timed.
Sunrisers Hyderabad knew exactly how valuable Reddy was and made sure to retain him prior to the IPL 2025 mega-auction. With Pat Cummins at the helm and stars like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Ishan Kishan in the squad, SRH has constructed a team that seems prepared to compete.
Having finished as runners-up last season, they are keen to take that final step and lift their second IPL trophy. Their campaign starts with a high-voltage clash against Rajasthan Royals on 23 March at their home ground.
Reddy’s journey in the IPL has been marked by growth and determination. From playing only two matches in 2023 without leaving an impact to becoming one of SRH’s most dependable players in 2024, he has showcased remarkable progress.
Now, with 485 T20 runs at an average of 32.33, he is entering the 2025 season with boosted confidence and experience. The big question remains: can he do it again? Can he lead SRH’s charge and help them secure their first title since 2016? One thing is sure—Nitish Kumar Reddy isn’t done making headlines.
