In a tale of persistence, unwavering dedication, and the pursuit of dreams, Nitish Reddy, a promising young cricketer from Thungalam, Visakhapatnam, has risen to prominence against all odds. Unlike many young athletes, Nitish grew up without the luxury of a trophy cabinet at home, and even today, his walls remain bare of any such display, a testament to his unique and humble journey.
His father, Mutyala Reddy, recounts dreams of one day having a space to showcase his son’s achievements. “It is his dream to have one,” Mutyala mentions wistfully. But living in a rented apartment, they couldn’t afford to make room for such adornments. Though they built a house in 2018 using INR 2 lakh provided by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as an award to Nitish, its location—far removed from Visakhapatnam’s cricketing circles—compelled the family to continue residing in temporary accommodation, practical for Nitish’s rigorous training regimen.
Mutyala shares that this BCCI fund is the only financial assistance they’ve accepted for Nitish. Complementing the funds needed for critical sports gear was a constant challenge, especially after Mutyala left his secure government job. This decision came amid financial strains when Hindustan Zinc ceased operations in Visakhapatnam, refusing to relocate the family to Udaipur in Rajasthan. Instead, Mutyala chose to remain, fostering Nitish’s potential within familiar cricket grounds.
Mutyala’s decision garnered skepticism from relatives, but his resolve was steadfast. Support from his wife, Manasa, proved crucial as the couple navigated their newfound financial restraints. “The only person I was concerned about was my wife. I spoke to her about living frugally, and she willingly embraced the challenges,” Mutyala expresses. He assumed the financial responsibilities of Nitish’s cricket dreams while Manasa focused on their daughter’s education.
His pragmatic approach hoped simply for Nitish to secure a role within the Ranji Trophy team, and thereby a dependable career. However, to his astonishment and pride, Nitish’s talents carried him much further. After establishing himself, the young athlete debuted for India and signed an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract at merely 20, aligning with Sunrisers Hyderabad, eager to nurture his natural abilities.
Nitish’s story begins in a quaint village cricketing world where sports promise seemed a distant notion. The rudimentary games with plastic balls provided his earliest training ground.
. Yet even here, his prowess was evident. His father’s anecdotal recollection frames a childhood filled with formidable hits sending the ball far beyond the reach of neighborhood games, foreshadowing his extraordinary capability.
Recognizing that their son needed broader horizons, his parents endeavored to provide Nitish with extensive training facilities, eventually leading to their relocation to Visakhapatnam, allowing him to play at the Under-19 level and pursue cricket more professionally.
Mutyala’s dedication became evident as he unfailingly supported Nitish’s cricket journey, accompanying him dutifully to practices and matches, relying solely on the interest from his retirement savings to sustain their livelihood. Alongside his commitment, Nirmal Kumar, Nitish’s coach through the Under-19 level, noted that Mutyala’s devotion was unmatched, even among other dedicated cricketing parents.
As Nitish developed his game, he adapted to various team roles requiring agility and expertise as both a batsman and bowler. His evolving all-rounder status facilitated his rise, although he faced heartbreak, unable to partake in the Under-19 World Cup due to eligibility restrictions. Despite being sidelined occasionally, his ambitions for cricket remained unabated.
His cricket career took a significant hit with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which stalled his momentum. It was a period of struggles and uncertainty as Nitish was overlooked for major selections like the Ranji Trophy. Yet, steadfast in his work ethic and driven by optimism, he declared to his father, “I will have an opportunity to prove myself again and I will answer with my bat.”
True to this vow, Nitish’s breakthrough came not through recommendations but sheer perseverance, striking an impressive 159 runs in a Ranji Trophy match. His robust performance not only secured a placement with Sunrisers Hyderabad but rekindled his visibility on cricket’s broader stage.
Amidst the trials and triumphs, there was also heartbreak. News of his impending debut for India was eclipsed by an unforeseen injury, requiring weeks of rest and tempering the family’s anticipatory joy. Despite setbacks, Nitish was undeterred, resolute in his ambition when he clinched a place in the national team for an upcoming series against Bangladesh.
His family, although initially weary from past disappointments, prepared to witness Nitish don India’s colors—a culmination of years marked by sacrifice and devotion. As Nitish eventually plays to an audience that includes his family, his journey is a testament not only to talent but the tenacity that underpins his cricket dreams. While no trophy cabinet adorns the home yet, this enduring dream captures the culmination of resilience, preparing Nitish for the continued chapters in his rising career.