The world of cricket witnessed a surprising turn of events when former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir seemingly underestimated the potential of young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Despite Reddy's recent successes and contributions to the Indian team, Gambhir's assessment suggested a limited future for the player, sparking debate among fans and experts alike.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, born on May 26, 2003, has quickly risen through the ranks to become a valuable asset to both his domestic team, Andhra, and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 22-year-old all-rounder, who bats right-handed and bowls right-arm medium-fast, has impressed with his aggressive batting style and ability to contribute with the ball.
Reddy's breakthrough performance came in the 2024 IPL season, where he scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 142 and picked up 3 crucial wickets, earning him the Emerging Player of the Year Award. His contributions were instrumental in several key matches, showcasing his consistency and talent. SRH recognized his potential and retained him for a reported Rs 6.00 Crore in the 2025 IPL Auction.
Internationally, Reddy made his T20I debut against Bangladesh on October 6, 2024. He truly shone in the second match of the series, scoring a remarkable 74 runs off just 35 balls, with a striking strike rate of 217. This performance solidified his place in the Indian squad and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
Despite these achievements, reports suggest that Gautam Gambhir views Reddy as a "bits-and-pieces" player, best suited for T20s, and not capable of playing ODIs. This assessment comes as a surprise, considering Reddy's all-round abilities and his recent success in adapting to different formats of the game.
However, it's important to note that Reddy himself has spoken positively about Gambhir's influence on his career. In November 2024, Reddy credited Gambhir for creating a welcoming environment where young cricketers feel valued and trusted. He also mentioned that Gambhir encouraged him to play aggressively, which proved to be a game-changer for the all-rounder. Furthermore, after a match-winning performance against Bangladesh, Reddy thanked Gambhir for boosting his confidence and advising him to think like a bowler when he's bowling.
In a Test match against Australia, Reddy demonstrated his ability to handle pressure and adapt to different conditions, drawing inspiration from Gambhir's advice. He formed a crucial partnership with Rishabh Pant, showcasing his resilience and ability to contribute in challenging situations.
While Gambhir's specific comments remain unconfirmed, the contrasting views highlight the subjective nature of talent assessment in cricket. While one expert might see limitations, another might recognize untapped potential. Only time will tell if Nitish Kumar Reddy can defy the odds and prove his capabilities across all formats of the game. His journey so far suggests that he possesses the talent, dedication, and temperament to succeed at the highest level.
