Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been cleared fit by BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Having excelled in the yo-yo test after a delayed recovery from a side strain injury, the youngster will be available for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2025 Indian Premier League.
The 21-year-old was injured in the first T20I against England after incurring a side strain. What seemed like a three-week recovery period was extended by a fortnight before Nitish overcame any discomfort. He was a part of a practice match on Friday and felt fresh even after bowling full throttle. Thanks to the incredible team at the National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru, the 21-year-old will be available for the Orange Army after being one of their five retentions for the upcoming IPL season.
Nitish was among the emerging stars of IPL’s seventeenth season after scoring 303 runs at a strike rate 142.92. He was often promoted in the middle order by captain Pat Cummins to steer the ship, setting the stage for Heinrich Klaasen and co. in the lower-middle order to accelerate. He also bagged three wickets despite conceding runs at an economy of 11.62.
The three-dimensional cricketer was also an integral part of India’s Border Gavaskar Trophy down under, where the hosts regained prestige with a 3-1 victory. However, Nitish was the standout with the willow for India, amassing 298 runs from nine innings at a healthy average of 37.25. Having racked up a ton at the MCG on the eve of Boxing Day, he was also India’s second-highest run-getter in the series.
Nitish, who excelled in the yo-yo-test with a score of 18 (par-16.5) will be eyeing to replicate his heroic act for the Orange Army as they square off against Rajasthan Royals in their curtain-raiser on March 23.
