Sunil Gavaskar recently commended the remarkable performance of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Reddy played a crucial role in SRH’s victory, scoring 39 runs off 24 balls and taking two wickets for 17 runs, earning the Player of the Match award.
Match Highlights: SRH vs. KKR
The match took place on a Thursday, where SRH aimed to defend a hefty target of 227 runs. They successfully bowled out KKR for 161 runs in just 16 overs. Jaydev Unadkat’s exceptional three-wicket haul was pivotal in the outcome.
Key Performers
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: 39 runs off 24 balls, 2 wickets for 17 runs
- Jaydev Unadkat: 3 wickets
- Ehsan Malinga: 2 wickets
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi: 52 runs off 29 balls for KKR
- Heinrich Klaasen: 52 runs off 35 balls for SRH
- Travis Head: 46 runs
- Abhishek Sharma: 48 runs
Gavaskar’s Praise for Reddy
After the match, Sunil Gavaskar spoke on Star Sports, expressing his admiration for Reddy’s improvement. He highlighted that Reddy appears fully fit and has enhanced his bowling speed and rhythm. Gavaskar noted, “He is definitely bowling quicker now and has clearly added a bit more pace.”
Gavaskar further emphasized the significance of Reddy’s fitness, pointing out how it has positively affected his performance. “It’s very encouraging news for India,” he added, reflecting on Reddy’s potential impact on the national team.
Reddy’s Journey and Comeback
Nitish Kumar Reddy had shown promise in IPL 2024 but faced challenges due to recurring injuries in 2025, which disrupted his progress and led to missed international tours. Despite these setbacks, Reddy expressed a determination to stay positive. After his recent performance, he noted, “I worked really hard on my bowling. It is really paying off.”
Thanks to his trainers and physios, he mentioned feeling fit and motivated, stating, “My body is feeling fit now.” His dedication appears to be yielding results as he aims to maintain this form in the ongoing tournament.
