"As A Telugu Speaker...": SRH Star Nitish Reddy Becomes First-Ever Player From Andhra Pradesh To Be Retained In IPL

Upon being revealed as the fifth capped retention by Sunrisers Hyderabad on IPL 2025 retention day, India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy expressed gratitude towards the franchise for their early support and stated he's dedicated to reciprocating the trust placed in him by the franchise. Reddy, a fast-bowling all-rounder, was acquired by SRH for INR 20 lakh in the auction preceding the 2023 IPL season. But he excelled in IPL 2024, clinching the Emerging Player of the Season award for scoring 303 runs at a strike rate of 143 and taking three wickets with his bowling.

With Reddy being retained for INR 6 crore, it also marks the first time a player hailing from Andhra Pradesh has secured an IPL retention ahead of the auctions. The retention has also meant Reddy's IPL paycheck sees a staggering jump of 2900%.

"Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad fills me with pride. As a Telugu speaker, I'm proud to represent my region when playing for the team in the IPL. People over there in Hyderabad like me as well, as they say a Telugu player played very well for Hyderabad team and he was there when they got into the final (in IPL 2024)."

"The price tag doesn't matter, as I'm driven to perform and help my team win. Sunrisers Hyderabad backed me initially, and now I'm committed to repaying that trust," said Reddy in an exclusive conversation with IANS from Mackay, Australia, where India A is playing the first four-day game against Australia A.

Reddy's performance in his inaugural IPL season comprised playing two matches, bowling five wicketless overs, and not having any batting opportunities. Strong performances in IPL 2024, particularly scoring 64 against Punjab Kings and an unbeaten 76 against Rajasthan Royals, led to Reddy's debut for