Hyderabad, March 30, 2025 – Nitish Kumar Reddy, the 21-year-old all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh, continues to capture headlines as one of India’s most promising cricket talents. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season underway, Reddy’s journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been a rollercoaster of resilience, frustration, and recognition, cementing his status as a player to watch both on and off the field.
A Rocky Start in IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 season has not been smooth sailing for Reddy so far. In a recent match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 27 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, SRH suffered a five-wicket defeat. Reddy, batting in the middle order, scored 32 runs off 28 balls before being dismissed by LSG’s Ravi Bishnoi. While his contribution provided some stability after early wickets, it wasn’t enough to push SRH to a competitive total. Frustrated with his dismissal, Reddy made headlines when cameras caught him throwing his helmet in anger on the dressing room stairs—an uncharacteristic outburst from the usually composed youngster.
This moment of raw emotion highlighted the pressure Reddy faces as a key player for SRH, especially after his meteoric rise in 2024. Fans took to social media to express a mix of sympathy and support, with many noting that such passion reflects his commitment to the game. “He’s young, he’s learning, and he cares deeply—that’s what matters,” one fan posted on X.
BCCI Central Contract: A Milestone Achievement
Amid the IPL challenges, there’s brighter news for Reddy off the field. Reports emerged on March 29 that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed Reddy, alongside spinner Varun Chakravarthy and batter Abhishek Sharma, will receive their maiden central contracts. This recognition comes as a reward for Reddy’s stellar performances in international cricket over the past few months, including a memorable Test century against Australia during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne.
The central contract is a significant milestone for Reddy, who has quickly transitioned from a domestic standout to an all-format prospect for India. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, he has excelled in Tests and T20Is, with experts tipping him as a future star in ODIs as well. “Nitish has shown maturity beyond his years. This contract is just the beginning,” said a BCCI official, speaking anonymously.
Road to Recovery and IPL Return
Reddy’s inclusion in the IPL 2025 season wasn’t guaranteed until recently. After suffering a side strain injury during a practice session in January, he was ruled out of India’s T20I series against England. The BCCI medical team took a cautious approach, given his importance to the national side’s Test plans, especially with a tour of England looming after the IPL concludes in May. Reddy underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he cleared fitness tests, including the yo-yo test with an impressive score of 18.1, before joining SRH on March 16.
His return has been a boost for SRH, who retained him ahead of the season for his all-round capabilities. With a squad featuring stars like Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen, Reddy’s role as a versatile middle-order batter and handy bowler is crucial as SRH aims to improve on their runner-up finish from 2024.
The Next Challenge: SRH vs. DC in Visakhapatnam
As SRH prepares to face Delhi Capitals (DC) today, March 30, in Visakhapatnam, all eyes will be on Reddy. Playing on Andhra soil—close to his hometown of Visakhapatnam—adds a personal dimension to the contest. Telugu media outlets have dubbed it a “home battle” for Reddy, who is expected to receive a warm reception from local fans. After the frustration of the LSG game, this match offers a chance for redemption and a potential turning point in SRH’s campaign.
DC, led by a strong bowling attack, will test Reddy’s resolve. Analysts suggest that his ability to adapt to pressure situations—honed during his Test debut against Australia—could be key to SRH’s success. “Nitish has the temperament to turn games around. This could be his breakout moment in IPL 2025,” noted a cricket commentator.
A Star in the Making
Reddy’s journey is one of grit and determination. From climbing the stairs of the Tirupati temple on his knees in January to thank the divine for his success, to gifting his father a gold bracelet in February, his off-field humility has endeared him to fans. On the field, his admiration for Virat Kohli remains evident—he recently admitted to still feeling nervous around his idol—but Reddy is carving his own legacy.
As IPL 2025 progresses, Nitish Kumar Reddy stands at a crossroads. With a BCCI contract in his pocket and a passionate fanbase behind him, the young all-rounder has the tools to overcome early setbacks and shine. For SRH and Indian cricket, he’s not just a rising star—he’s a beacon of hope for the future.
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