Young Kiwi-Indian sensation Snehith Reddy, affectionately known as Lucky Reddy, is poised to break through the boundaries of expectation at the upcoming 15h edition of ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The 17-year-old, born in the southern Indian city of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, has been named to play at the junior World Cup. His story begins not in the lush fields of New Zealand, but in the alleys of family history.
Talking to The Indian Weekender, Reddy reveals, “My journey to New Zealand happened when I was young, around the age of one. My parents initially moved over due to the attraction of starting a family in a pretty special part of the world, which at the time was such a foreign lifestyle for them."
As a child, Lucky found himself reluctantly fielding for his father, Krishna Reddy, during weekend club matches. What started as a chore transformed into a love affair with the game.
"My passion for cricket began from watching my dad play club cricket every weekend. He used to bat and bowl, but he’d make me be a substitute fielder for him; at the time, I hated this, but looking back, it’s probably where my journey started,” he says.
Fast forward to today, and the Hamilton boy stands at the cusp of cricketing glory. Currently in Year 13 at Hamilton Boys High School, he is not just a student but a batsman and an off-spinner with a flair for the extraordinary. Last year, at the New Zealand ‘Under 17’ tournament, he claimed the title of 'the most valuable player of the tournament', a prelude to the spectacle he promises to deliver on the world stage.
He is ready to carry the weight of a nation's hopes on his young shoulders as part of New Zealand’s Under 19 squad. “My first thought about being chosen for the U19WC squad is that I'm extremely privileged and lucky to be a part of something so special like a world event, and how so many people would aspire to be in this position, which is something I can't be nothing but thankful for.
“Of course, there's pressure associated with a global event like this, but I think it's a pretty cool feeling to experience; it's definitely something that gets me excited."
Challenges are aplenty in the crucible of cricket, and Reddy is no stranger to them. "There are obviously many challenges associated with sport, especially in cricket; it’s an extremely tough sport and can be very cruel at times.
“I believe it all comes down to how you perceive these challenges. My school coach, Mr Kuggeleijn, talks about how 'when you lose, never lose the lesson'. All that you can control is taking the lessons from a loss, moving on, and starting afresh."
Ask him about his favourite player, and pat comes the reply, "My favourite player is Daryl Mitchell; he’s someone who I’ve spent a lot of time with talking about cricket and has certainly helped my game immensely."
Beyond the boundary ropes, Reddy enjoys a taste of life's pleasures. Golf, time with friends, and relishing the rich flavours of his Indian heritage keep him grounded.
Despite his global adventures, Reddy keeps his roots intact, making an annual pilgrimage to India to reconnect with his culture and family.
"I'm pretty lucky to have family back in India, so we try to see them pretty much every year; it's how I stay connected with my culture. I'm really proud of my heritage and story, so I try to express it as much as I can. My Favourite food is chicken biryani. In movies, I love Kaithi, and my favourite actor is Jr.Ntr. ‘Why This Kolavari’ is one song I enjoy."
Reddy’s journey is not just about cricket; it's about the dreams he harbours for his future.
"I plan to play cricket professionally. I'd love to represent Northern Districts at the FC level, and in the long-term representing New Zealand on the international level is something I've always dreamt of and would be the ultimate honour and privilege."
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