Nitish Kumar Reddy, the emerging Indian cricketer, has incorporated insights from his Indian Premier League (IPL) connections to enhance his performance ahead of his first Test tour in England. After facing challenges during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, particularly with his bowling, Reddy understood the need for improvement to secure his spot in the national team.
To prepare for the conditions he would face in England, Reddy sought advice from his IPL captain at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pat Cummins. He learned about the significant impact of weather on cricket in England, which he noted differed from conditions in Australia. Reddy reflected on his conversation, stating, “He [Cummins] said it’s about observing the weather conditions and playing your game.”
In addition to consulting Cummins, Reddy also engaged in discussions with India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel. He expressed enthusiasm about his progress under Morkel’s guidance, highlighting the valuable mentorship he is receiving.
Reddy made a personal commitment to improve his bowling after the Australia tour, and his hard work was evident on day one of the third Test in England, where he took two crucial wickets, dismissing openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley in his very first over. This performance showcased the effectiveness of his preparatory efforts and his determination to achieve greater consistency in his game.
His promising start in England suggests that Reddy’s proactive approach and willingness to learn may pave the way for a successful career in international cricket. This mindset, coupled with the support of his teammates and coaches, points towards a hopeful and competitive future for Reddy on the international stage.