HYDERABAD: Tenacious and well-versed with his craft, Produturi Akshath Reddy is a top-order batsman. The 18- year-old opener is the only one from the city to be picked to represent India in the World Cup (under- 19) to be held in New Zealand next January.
It is a big break for this talented cricketer who has been consistently scoring from the junior-level.
“I’m aware it is a big challenge but I’m confident of putting a great performance,” said Akshath before leaving for Mumbai for the camp.
This Hyderabadi boy was the first stand-by in the last World Cup that India emerged champions in Malaysia. India will play the oneday series in South Africa this month prior to the World Cup.
Hyderabad under-19 coach R Sridhar says Akshath has all the qualities to become a top batsman. “He is a match-winner and has got tremendous appetite for runs. He works very hard on his technique and is a keen learner,” said Sridhar, the former Hyderabad Ranji left-arm spinner.
According to Sridhar, Akshath also practices the ‘Hyderabad style’ of batting. “True to a Hyderabadi, he has got excellent wrists that enables him to play the on-side strokes. He is basically front foot player with a top-hand grip and has a great cover drive. He has a bright prospect,” added Sridhar.
Akshath was prolific run-getter from the under-13 tournaments. He scored two double centuries in the under-13 tournaments. “I enjoy batting.
I don’t get tired,” said Akshath, who learnt cricket from Hindi Mahavidylaya Cricket Academy under the watchful eyes of Manohar Reddy.
A second year Information & Technology student of TKR Engineering College, Akshath has been consistent performer with the bat in the under-19 and under-22 tournaments.
He scored a century against Punjab at Gymkhana. This year at the under-19 level he has impressive scores, amassing over 259 runs( four fifties) in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy ( one day matches) and another three fifties in four innings he has played in the Cooch Behar Trophy. Akshath’s father P N Reddy, a business man, is aware of the seam movement in New Zealand.
“The ball will seam a lot but I’m ready for the challenge. We will also be playing a few matches in South Africa and that will help us gain some international match practice before the World Cup. Akshath is a huge fan of Rahul Dravid.
“He is a role model for any young cricketer. I like the way he prepares himself for any big game.
He is a consistent performer,” said his father.
Akshath said that he got tremendous support from former Test cricketer Shivlal Yadav. “He has been a great source of encouragement from the under-13 level. He was always confident of my performance with the bat,’’ he said.