NEW DELHI: When Vikram Reddy Sudini departed from Hyderabad for the United States of America, he carried more than just memories—he bore the weight of an unfulfilled cricketing ambition that would shape his family's future across continents.
A Dream Deferred Across Oceans
Vikram's journey to America in 1999 marked the end of his personal cricket aspirations, despite having played local tournaments, leagues, and junior cricket in Hyderabad. The emotional departure contained both excitement for his new career as a software engineer and profound sadness for the sporting dream he left behind in India.
"I left Hyderabad in 1999. The wait was pretty long. I never imagined this day would come, but I was adamant about making Nitish a good cricketer. I wanted him to do what I couldn't," Vikram revealed in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com.
The Transcontinental Cricket Journey
This deferred dream found new life through his son Nitish, who began his cricket journey at around 13 years of age with tennis-ball cricket before transitioning to professional training. Vikram meticulously nurtured his son's talent, ensuring the family maintained strong connections to their Indian roots despite living in Georgia, USA.
"Nitish started playing pretty early, around 13 years of age. He began with tennis-ball cricket, and that's where his journey started before he gradually moved into proper cricket," Vikram explained, highlighting the deliberate cultivation of his son's sporting potential.
Historic Moment at the U-19 World Cup
The culmination of this transcontinental dedication arrived during the Under-19 World Cup match against New Zealand. As Vikram stood in the stands with his wife Swathi Sudini, overwhelming emotions flowed freely while they witnessed their son achieve what no American cricketer had accomplished before.
Nitish Reddy, the 18-year-old from Georgia, etched his name into cricket history by becoming the first USA player to score a century at any ICC World Cup event. His magnificent unbeaten 117 against a formidable New Zealand side represented not just personal achievement but the realization of a father's long-deferred dream.
Roots and Training Across Continents
Vikram ensured his son never lost connection with his Indian heritage, bringing him to Hyderabad annually for specialized training at the Ashwin Cricket Academy in Uppal. This strategic approach combined American opportunities with traditional Indian cricket development.
"In Uppal, there's an academy named Ashwin Cricket Academy. I always practise there. There are great facilities and great turf wickets. The black and red soil pitches have helped me a lot in India," Nitish acknowledged, emphasizing how this cross-continental training enhanced his skills against spin bowling.
Inspiration and Future Aspirations
Drawing inspiration from destructive West Indies batter Chris Gayle, Nitish has developed a batting approach that includes constant self-talk during innings to maintain concentration. His historic century against New Zealand demonstrated this mental discipline in high-pressure situations.
"It's always a great feeling. I'm really happy to score a century—it's big for me. For my dad, it was always a dream that couldn't be fulfilled. I'm really glad to fulfill it and hopefully take it further," Nitish expressed with gratitude toward his father's unwavering support.
The Road Ahead: Major League Cricket and Senior Team Dreams
Following in the footsteps of U-19 World Cup alumni like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Yuvraj Singh, Nitish now sets his sights on representing the USA senior team and participating in Major League Cricket. His experience with Atlanta Lightning in the Minor League has prepared him for higher competitive levels.
"Playing for the senior team is the ultimate dream. I will keep working towards that target now. USA cricket has helped me a lot," Nitish stated, acknowledging cricket's growing popularity across America where many youngsters now pursue the sport professionally.
The young cricketer recognizes how Major League and Minor League Cricket attract global talent while supporting youth development, creating unprecedented opportunities for American players. His journey represents both personal achievement and the broader growth of cricket in non-traditional markets.
As cricket expands significantly in Atlanta and across America, Nitish Reddy stands as a testament to what dedicated parenting, cross-cultural training, and relentless pursuit of excellence can achieve—turning a father's abandoned dream into his son's historic reality on the world stage.
