One of India’s most promising young talents, Nitish Kumar Reddyis preparing for his comeback after a couple of unfortunate injuries delayed his debut for Team India at the international level.
The dynamic all-rounder, who had a standout season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2024, was all set to make his debut. India debut in the ongoing five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is optimistic about his return after injury
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee selected Reddy as a like-for-like replacement for Hardik Pandya for India’s ongoing tour of Zimbabwe after his impressive performance with bat and ball for SRH in IPL 2024, where he scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.
However, just days before what would have been a career-defining series, Reddy’s hopes were dashed when he found himself at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) instead of heading to Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
As a result, Reddy was ruled out of the ongoing T20I series in ZimbabweDespite the setback, the young all-rounder remains optimistic about his return to action and says injuries are part of the game.
He is focused on the future and is confident that more opportunities will come his way to shine in the national colours. Reddy is also excited about his maiden call-up to the Indian cricket team and is determined to regain full fitness quickly.
The youngster said that his rehabilitation at the NCA is progressing well. Furthermore, the young all-rounder revealed that he has minor sports hernias and shoulder stiffness, which ruled him out of the T20I series.
I have sports hernia and shoulder problems: Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy told India Today: “Playing for India is everyone’s dream. I came very close to achieving it and then I got injured. I don’t blame the injury as it is part and parcel of a player’s life. So, whatever happened, happened. I want to work on myself in this off-season. I am working on my shoulder and also on the sidelines. I was very happy when I got called up for India but you know injuries happen. Don’t worry, opportunities will come. I just want to be ready for it.”
Reddy added: “I have a sports hernia. It is a minor injury. They said that no surgery was required and that I just needed to rest a bit and do some rehabilitation. I have been going through it and we don’t really know how long it will take but I am feeling much better now. Better than before. At the end of the day, it is my physiotherapist’s decision. Apart from this, I am also working on my shoulder. I have a stiffness issue. Things are going pretty well at the moment.”
The young Indian all-rounder is confident that he will have great opportunities in the future and wants to be ready for it. Moreover, Reddy stressed that he will have to be prepared for the challenges that come his way and trust in his abilities in all aspects.
