Growing Up Without a Trophy Cabinet: The Inspiring Story of Nitish Reddy
Nitish Reddy grew up without a trophy cabinet at home. Even now, he doesn’t have one.
“It’s his dream to have one,” his father, Mutyala Reddy, says. “But since we live in a rented house, we can’t put too many nails in the wall, reports Live Cricket Score.
In 2018, the family built their own house, and INR 2 lakh was awarded to Nitish by the BCCI. But that home remains unoccupied because it’s too far from the cricket facilities in Visakhapatnam. Instead, they stay in a rented flat to ensure Nitish’s training isn’t disrupted.
The senior Reddy acknowledges that the BCCI funds were the only financial help he ever accepted from his son, despite their struggles. Most of Nitish’s earnings were spent on cricket equipment and shoes. Mutyala had left a stable government job in 2012 when Hindustan Zinc closed operations in Visakhapatnam. Instead of relocating to Udaipur, he stayed behind to support Nitish’s cricketing aspirations.
“At that time, Nitish was just starting in cricket. Moving to Udaipur would have been difficult for him because of the language and unfamiliar facilities,” says Mutyala.
Giving up his job meant Mutyala had to rely on his retirement funds to support his family. He became Nitish’s full-time chauffeur and guide, taking him to cricket camps and training sessions. “We faced a lot of criticism from relatives,” he admits. “But the only person I needed to convince was my wife, Manasa. I told her we’d cut unnecessary expenses and lead a simple life. She nodded without a word and stood by me through everything.”
Manasa focused on their daughter’s education, while Mutyala dedicated himself to Nitish’s cricket. “All I wanted was for him to make the Ranji Trophy team and secure a stable job. Playing for India felt like a far-off dream.”
A Spark from Humble Beginnings
Nitish’s cricketing journey began in the small village of Thungalam near Visakhapatnam, where he played with a plastic ball. Even then, his talent stood out.
“His cousins would hit the ball nearby, but when Nitish batted, it would disappear into lakes or rooftops,” Mutyala recalls with pride. Frustrated, the other kids stopped letting him play, and Nitish would return home upset. Realizing his potential, his parents started taking him to more enormous grounds where he could play freely.
As Nitish advanced to U-19 cricket, the family moved to Visakhapatnam, a significant step in his career. From then on, Mutyala’s life revolved entirely around his son’s cricket. “My job was to take him to the ground, gym, and wherever else he needed to go,” he says.
Overcoming Setbacks
Nitish’s rise wasn’t without challenges. Despite impressive performances, including scoring over 1200 runs in the 2017-18 Vijay Merchant Trophy with a triple and quadruple century, he missed out on the U-19 World Cup due to eligibility rules.
“He always told me his dream was to play the U-19 World Cup. He believed it would ease his path to the Indian team,” Mutyala shares.
The COVID-19 pandemic further stalled Nitish’s progress. For nearly two years, he had no competitive cricket. When cricket resumed in 2021-22, his achievements were forgotten, and he wasn’t considered for Ranji Trophy or U-23 cricket.
During this challenging phase, Mutyala asked if Nitish needed recommendations to get back on the team. Nitish’s reply was resolute: “Dad, don’t go anywhere. I’ll prove myself with my bat.”
And he did. In 2023, Nitish earned an IPL contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20 lakh, ten times the amount he once lent his father to complete their house. His breakthrough came in early 2024, with a stunning 159-run knock in the Ranji Trophy, which caught the attention of SRH and the national selectors.
Dreams Turned Reality
Nitish was picked for India’s squad in July 2024. However, an injury ruled him out just 24 hours later. For Mutyala, the setback was heartbreaking. “I couldn’t stop crying,” he admits. “It felt like the world had crashed again.”
Despite the disappointment, Nitish remained composed. His patience was rewarded when he debuted for India in 2024. While his father missed the first game due to travel difficulties, the family watched him play in Hyderabad, fulfilling a long-held dream.
The Discipline Behind the Success
Nitish’s work ethic and discipline have been constant. He’s always pushed himself to improve, from showing up early for practice to staying late.
His U-19 coach, Nirmal Kumar, recalls an incident in 2019 when Nitish returned to bowl after two full days of practice, saying, “It just didn’t feel right. I need to practice more.”
Nitish’s focus extended beyond cricket. He avoided distractions like movies and outings, choosing instead to study the game during his free time.
A Journey Worth Celebrating
Nitish carries reminders of his journey in the form of tattoos, each symbolizing his roots and values. However, he doesn’t keep souvenirs of his achievements. “I keep telling him to save something, but he never does,” says Mutyala.
One dream remains: to hang the symbols of his journey on the walls of his home—a dream that now feels within reach, thanks to his family’s sacrifices and unwavering belief.
