Maramreddy Harishankar Reddy, a native of Nagurivandlapalle near Chinnamandem mandal Bonamala, was picked up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to bring IPL glory to Kadapa district.
Since 2018, the right-arm medium fast bowler has become a fixture for Andhra Pradesh. Harishankar Reddy’s parents, Chandrareddy and Lakshmidevi, as well as the villagers, were overjoyed that he would be playing in the IPL.
He’s come a long way from his days as a part of the Kadapa Under-14 team, when he wowed everyone.
The elevation of such a promising cricketer was praised by Chief Whip Gadikota Srikanth Reddy, Cricket Association of YSR District president Murikipati Bharat Reddy, and secretary Puttamreddy Sanjay Kumar Reddy.
Harishankar Reddy, who has given positive reputation to Kadapa district, will be honoured soon, according to Kadapa STEP Chief Executive Officer Dr Mallireddy Ramachandra Reddy.
Harishankar Reddy told the Deccan Chronicle that he didn’t have the proper facilities to play in his hometown, but that didn’t stop him.
In 2012, he went to the Kadapa municipal ground with Ganesh Kumar to take part in the district selections. He came under the tutelage of coach C.D. Thomson after being selected for the Under-14 and then U-16 teams. He also coached him while he was a member of the ACA team at Vizianagaram in 2016. The special coaching stint also included Vikram Verma and Nagesh Kumar. Harishankar Reddy is in Indore with the Andhra Pradesh team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which kicks off on Saturday.
He was overjoyed to be picked up by CSK and says he was looking forward to proving his worth during the IPL.