I'm preparing for the role that Hardik Pandya is playing: Nitish Kumar Reddy

Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy said he is preparing himself for the role that Hardik Pandya is playing in the Indian Cricket Team. The youngster was named the IPL 2024 Emerging Player of the Year, as he impressed fans and experts alike with his all-round skills.

Nitish received his maiden national team call-up for the ongoing T20I series between India and Zimbabwe. However, a last-minute injury ruled him out of the tour and he was subsequently replaced by Shivam Dube. The 21-year-old, however, isn't too perturbed as he knows that he will get his opportunity down the line. He recently spoke about the role he is expecting to get in the Indian Team.

Also Read: ZIM vs IND 2024: Shivam Dube replaces injured Nitish Reddy

"There's a chance I'll get to play at no. 7 or no. 6, most likely a Hardik Pandya role. I'm flexible to bat wherever I'm asked to, but as of now I'm preparing for the role that Hardik Pandya is playing," said Reddy in an interaction with NDTV.

Reddy acknowledged that there are more experienced players in the Indian Team and it would be hard for him to get opportunities to bat at the top of the order. However, he said that he is prepared to bat at any position to suit the team's requirement.

"If you ask me to open, I'll open as well. In the near future, I won't be getting the chance at the top order because there are more experienced players. I have to adapt to whatever role I'll get, and I've been prepared to adapt this way by domestic cricket," the Visakhapatnam-born said.

There will be opportunities for youngsters after Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja's retirements, need to grab them: Nitish

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja recently announced their retirements from T20Is. Reddy believes that there will be opportunities for youngsters after the retirements of the three stalwarts of Indian Cricket. The youngster feels that it will be crucial for players to make the most of the oportunities that come their way.

"I'm happy that there is a progression for youngsters who are performing well. After Rohit bhai (Rohit Sharma), Virat bhai (Virat Kohli) and Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja)'s retirements, there will be opportunities for youngsters. We need to grab them," said Reddy.

Also Read: 'My parents suffered the most' - Nitish Reddy sheds light on repercussions of his comments on MS Dhoni

Reddy is the brand ambassador for Puma, the same brand as his "inspiration" - Kohli. The all-rounder thanked Puma for their support during the IPL.

"My inspiration is Virat Kohli, so I'm really proud to be a part of Puma. Puma really supported me through the IPL, and the greatest thing is that they're providing opportunities to youngsters like myself and Riyan Parag," Reddy said.

After scoring 303 runs in IPL 2024 at a strike-rate of 142, Reddy is likely to be retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad.