Indian cricket has always been a treasure trove of talent, and as the team enters a new era post the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, all eyes are on the next generation. Leading the charge are Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sai Sudharsan, two young guns who’ve shown they can handle pressure, dazzle with skill, and carry the hopes of a cricket crazy nation. With India A’s warm-up matches in England offering a glimpse of their abilities ahead of the five-match Test series starting June 20, 2025, let’s explore what makes Reddy and Sudharsan such exciting prospects and how their potential could shape Indian cricket’s future.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: The All-Round Prodigy
At just 21, Nitish Kumar Reddy is already being hailed as India’s next great all-rounder, a rare seam bowling talent who can bat in the top six. Hailing from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Reddy’s journey is a testament to grit and sacrifice. His father, K. Mutyala Reddy, left a secure government job to nurture his son’s cricketing dreams, traveling with him to matches and even bowling to him for practice when no one else was available. That dedication paid off when Reddy smashed a jaw-dropping 441 runs off 345 balls in the 2016 17 Vijay Merchant Trophy, earning him the ‘Best Cricketer in the U16 category’ award.
Reddy’s breakout came in IPL 2024 with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he scored 303 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 142.92, including a blistering 76 off 42 balls against Rajasthan Royals, earning him the Emerging Player of the Year award. His medium pace bowling added three wickets, showcasing his dual threat. His international debut followed swiftly, with a T20I knock of 74 against Bangladesh and a Test debut in Australia during the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His crowning moment was a stunning 114 off 189 balls at the MCG, rescuing India from a precarious position and earning praise from former cricketer Syed Kirmani as “another star on the horizon.”
In the India warm-up matches in England, Reddy continued to impress. Against Yorkshire, he scored a composed 67 and picked up two wickets, showing his ability to contribute in both departments. His versatility batting at No. 5 or 6 and bowling handy overs makes him a valuable asset, especially in England’s seaming conditions. However, his IPL 2025 season was a letdown, with just 143 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 105, leading to his demotion to lower batting positions. Critics pointed to a lack of clarity in his role, and an injury setback before the England tour raised concerns, though he’s expected to recover in time.
What Makes Him Special? Reddy’s fearless approach, ability to bash spinners (as seen in his T20I debut), and knack for performing under pressure set him apart. His medium pace bowling, while still developing in terms of variations, adds balance to the side. With mentors like Pat Cummins backing his work ethic, Reddy’s potential to become a genuine all-rounder like Hardik Pandya is undeniable.
Challenges Ahead: Reddy needs to refine his bowling, particularly in T20s, where his economy rate and death over skills need work. Consistency in batting, especially after his IPL 2025 struggles, will be key. If he can address these, his Test performances suggest he could be a mainstay for India across formats.
Sai Sudharsan: The Technician with Flair
Sai Sudharsan, the 23-year-old left-hander from Tamil Nadu, is the epitome of elegance and composure. Known for his rock-solid technique and ability to anchor innings, Sudharsan has been a standout in domestic cricket and the IPL. His first-class record is impressive, 2,129 runs in 29 matches at an average of 44.35, including seven centuries, making him a strong contender for India’s Test top order. His county stints with Surrey and Sussex have honed his skills against swing and seam, crucial for the England Tests.
In IPL 2025, Sudharsan was a revelation for the Gujarat Titans (GT), scoring 412 runs at a strike rate of 138, forming a formidable opening partnership with Shubman Gill. His ability to switch gears, from patient accumulation to aggressive strokeplay, earned him a maiden Test call-up for the England series, especially with Kohli and Sharma absent. In India, a warm-up, Sudharsan shone brightly, scoring an unbeaten 76 against the England Lions, with crisp cover drives and deft pulls that showcased his adaptability to English pitches.
Sudharsan’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Despite his IPL 2024 heroics, he was controversially overlooked for the Emerging Player award, which went to Reddy, sparking debates among fans and analysts. Former opener Wasim Jaffer also excluded him from his predicted India squad for England, favoring Abhimanyu Easwaran as a backup opener, a decision that surprised many given Sudharsan’s form. Still, his inclusion in the India A squad and performances in the warm-ups have strengthened his case for a Test debut, likely at No. 3 or 4.
What Makes Him Special? Sudharsan’s patience and technical prowess make him ideal for Test cricket. His ability to play long innings, combined with his experience in English conditions, positions him as a potential anchor in a transitioning Indian batting lineup. His IPL form shows he can accelerate when needed, adding versatility.
Challenges Ahead: Sudharsan needs to prove he can handle the pressure of international cricket, especially against England’s wily bowlers like Anderson and Stokes. His exclusion from some predicted squads suggests he must consistently outshine competitors like Easwaran and KL Rahul to cement his spot.
How They Fit into India’s Future
Both Reddy and Sudharsan bring unique strengths to a young Indian team. Reddy’s all-round ability fills a critical gap, especially in Tests, where India has long sought a seam bowling all-rounder. His MCG century and warm-up performances show he can deliver in high-pressure situations, making him a potential successor to Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round role in the lower middle order. Sudharsan, meanwhile, is a natural fit for the top order, offering stability and the ability to bat long qualities reminiscent of Cheteshwar Pujara but with a modern, attacking edge.
Their performances in the India A warm-ups highlight their readiness. Reddy’s dual contributions and Sudharsan’s fifty against the Lions were pivotal in India A’s strong showing, with a 120-run lead against Australia A in a similar preparatory game last year setting a precedent. However, both face stiff competition. Reddy’s bowling needs to match his batting progress to secure a regular Test spot, while Sudharsan must outshine veterans like Rahul and rising stars like Easwaran.
The England series will be a litmus test. English conditions demand patience, technique, and adaptability qualities, both players have shown in patches. Reddy’s ability to swing the ball and chip in with runs could ease the workload on India’s pace trio of Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj, while Sudharsan’s county experience gives him an edge in handling swing. If they shine, they could lock down spots for the 2025 27 World Test Championship cycle.
The Road Ahead
For Nitish Kumar Reddy, the focus is on consistency and bowling development. His Test century in Australia proves he can handle the big stage, but another strong domestic season for Andhra and a better IPL 2026 will solidify his all-round credentials. Coaches like Nirmal Kumar and CD Thomson believe his work ethic will see him become a “premier all-rounder,” but refining his T20 bowling variations is critical.
Sai Sudharsan’s path hinges on seizing his Test opportunity. His mental preparation, as he told PTI, centers on patience, a must for Test cricket. With Gill as captain and a familiar partner, Sudharsan has a supportive environment to thrive. Continued runs in domestic cricket and county stints will keep him in the selectors’ sights.
