Growing up in the humble surroundings of Thungalam, a small village within Visakhapatnam’s Gajuwaka area, Nitish Reddy’s journey to the cricketing big leagues was anything but simple. For a young Nitish, cricket wasn’t played on lush green stadium outfields but rather amidst the constricted confines of village spaces with a plastic ball. Even then, his enthusiasm and talent were evident. When his cousins played, the ball stayed nearby; when Nitish was at the crease, it frequently disappeared onto rooftops or into distant waters, much to the chagrin of his peers who opted to exclude him for practicality’s sake.
As Nitish’s potential became undeniable, his parents, Mutyala and Manasa Reddy, recognized the need to provide him with better opportunities. This marked the beginning of a series of sacrifices by Mutyala, an individual who had to reinvent his life around his son’s burgeoning cricket career. Mutyala, once comfortably positioned in a government job at Hindustan Zinc, was forced into early retirement when smelter operations in Visakhapatnam ceased. Opting against relocation to Rajasthan’s Udaipur, he chose to remain in familiar territories to support Nitish’s cricketing dream, despite the financial strains that followed.
The Reddys lived modestly, renting a small flat to remain close to Nitish’s training facilities in Visakhapatnam. This decision came even after they built a home in 2018 funded partly by INR 2 lakh awarded by the BCCI for Nitish’s cricketing prowess. The flat allowed Nitish proximity to essential cricket facilities, crucial in nurturing his potential. Meanwhile, financial support dwindled solely to the interest from Mutyala’s retirement fund, as the family cut costs drastically, avoiding lavish or unnecessary expenses.
Despite the limited means, Nitish’s talent continued to flourish. His accolades at the U-16 and U-19 levels hinted at an extraordinary career ahead. Mutyala’s dedication did not go unnoticed by Nitish’s coaches and peers. His U-19 coach, Nirmal Kumar, admired Mutyala’s steadfast commitment, noting how his faith in Nitish’s abilities was not only unyielding but refreshing, especially in a world where parental support often hinges on immediate success.
.
Although success seemed imminent with Nitish’s record-breaking performance in domestic tournaments, including receiving the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for his incredible stats in the Vijay Merchant Trophy, the journey was not without its trials. Nitish missed out on representing India in the U-19 World Cup due to eligibility restrictions. Despite outperforming expectations, he faced periods of stagnation courtesy of disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, which shelved his progress temporarily.
Nitish’s resolve, however, remained unshakable. His patience and relentless work ethic bore fruit when Sunrisers Hyderabad drafted him for the 2023 IPL season. His performance there, coupled with standout stints like a crucial 159-run innings in a Ranji Trophy encounter, solidified his claim as a long-term asset for SRH and Indian cricket alike.
Everything seemed to align when a maiden call-up to the Indian national team arrived. Yet, the anticipation was cut short by an untimely injury, leaving both Nitish and Mutyala grappling with disappointment and unfulfilled dreams – a recurring theme in their journey. However, Nitish’s perseverance never wavered, ultimately leading to his selection for an upcoming series against Bangladesh.
Through these tumultuous times, Nitish remained dedicated to his craft. His commitment extended beyond cricket: avoiding common teenage distractions; he instead channelled all energy into his sporting ambitions. An adherent of intense training routines, Nitish’s level of focus and discipline was reflected in his single-minded approach to mastering cricket.
As Nitish readies to don the Indian colors and play in front of his parents for the first time, Mutyala reflects on the years filled with sacrifice and silent resilience that led to this pivotal moment. The lack of a trophy cabinet in Mutyala’s rented flat stands as a testament not just to Nitish’s achievements but to the spirit of achievement that transcends material showcases.
The path for Nitish was paved with unwavering support from his family, coupled with his tenacity and talent. The hopes of adorning the walls of his own home with reminders of this cricket odyssey remain a tangible dream, anchored in the love and sacrifices that brought him this far.