For youngsters in their early 20s, the lure of the IPL and other cash-rich T20 franchise leagues tends to shift their attention completely off first-class or red-ball cricket. However, exceptions still seem to be there, with Nitish Kumar Reddy seeming to be one of them.

A successful season for Sunrisers Hyderabad in this year's IPL 2024 had earned the 21-year-old seamer all-rounder, a vital cog for his state team Andhra, an India call-up for the Zimbabwe T20Is last month. But, a groin injury dashed his dream of donning the India cap, sidelining him for over a month.

A successful rehab at the NCA (National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru) helped him to regain fitness, and he's set to return to competitive cricket with next month's Duleep Trophy, where he will represent Team B. Nitish is quite clear about his goal in Duleep — sharpening his red-ball skills and making himself as prominent as the other Indian seamer all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Shardul Thakur.

"Red-ball cricket defines your technique, character and everything else. It's the longest format which keeps throwing challenges, that's why it’s called a Test. So, the better you play it, the more you grow as a cricketer. I believe red-ball cricket is the biggest format," Nitish told The Telegraph from Bengaluru.

"I’m focusing a bit more on my bowling part right now. I believe if I improve my bowling and be consistent in hitting the right areas in conjunction with my batting and fielding, I'll be on track to serve the Indian team."

Pandya and Shardul aren't playing in Duleep, but Dube will be turning out for Team A. Nitish will thus have a chance to outshine Dube in the competition.

"I keep getting inspired by the other bowler all-rounders and wish I play as well as them because I know how hard it is to be an all-rounder," said Nitish, also banking on the advice of Australia captain Pat Cummins during the IPL: "keeping the confidence level up all the time and hitting one length consistently" while bowling.