From Fanboy to Star: Nitish’s Journey to International Cricket

Visakhapatnam: Nitish Kumar Reddy, a promising young cricketer from Visakhapatnam, has transformed from a passionate fan of Virat Kohli into a rising star in the cricketing world. His journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring youngsters. A major milestone came on November 22, 2024, when Kohli personally handed Nitish his maiden Test cap during a match against Australia in Perth.

Nitish's father, Mutyala Reddy, expressed immense pride in his son's achievements. "People now recognize me as Nitish Reddy's father rather than by my own name," he said in an interview with Deccan Chronicle. He recalled how family conversations have evolved, from analyzing Kohli’s performances to hearing about his son’s firsthand experiences of playing alongside the cricket legend.

Mutyala fondly remembered a pivotal moment from Nitish's childhood. At the age of 16, Nitish attended a BCCI award ceremony, eager to meet his idol, Kohli. While he missed the chance to meet Kohli, he did manage to snap a selfie with Kohli’s wife, Anushka Sharma. Despite his friends' teasing, this near-miss fueled his determination to make it in cricket, eventually earning the chance to share the field with his hero.

"Looking back now, I realize not meeting Kohli that day was a blessing in disguise," said Nitish’s father. "Had he gotten that photo back then, perhaps his drive to excel wouldn't have been as strong." Despite several setbacks over the years, including a shoulder injury before a Zimbabwe tour and the timing of Kohli's T20 retirement, Nitish’s persistence finally paid off.

Nitish’s tattoos, his father explained, tell a story of his journey. Each tattoo represents a significant personal memory—his sister’s birth date, family sentiments, and milestones of his cricketing achievements, all etched into his skin.

Nitish’s cricket career began at the age of six at Hindustan Zinc Ground in Gajuwaka, where his first coach, Gandhi, recognized his potential. His talent blossomed during his under-16 years, earning him the attention of the BCCI. His path to success, however, required many sacrifices from his family. Mutyala Reddy left his job after a transfer to support his son’s cricket aspirations, while his mother, Manasa, became the pillar of the family, managing finances and household duties.

"I always wanted him to excel academically," said Manasa, Nitish’s mother, with a smile. "But after his practice sessions, he would fall asleep before finishing his homework. Today, we shed tears of joy, knowing his dreams have come true."

Currently, Nitish is playing Test match against Australia and has been retained by SRH for 6 crore for the IPL, cementing his place among cricket’s rising stars.