Nitish Kumar Reddy has made significant improvements as an allrounder in the IPL 2026 season. After a challenging season in 2025, where he scored only 182 runs in 11 innings, he has transformed his gameplay. His enhanced pace and power-hitting skills have provided much-needed balance to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) team.
James Franklin Praises Nitish Kumar Reddy
James Franklin, the pace-bowling coach for SRH, commended Reddy’s growth ahead of their crucial match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in New Chandigarh. Franklin noted that Reddy learned valuable lessons from his lackluster performance in IPL 2025. He mentioned, “Nitish has worked hard on his bowling and batting, which has been vital for our team this year.”
Performance and Role Adjustment
- Reddy has adjusted his batting position, now often coming in at No. 5 or No. 6.
- His role has shifted, allowing him to focus on finishing innings effectively.
- He has been opening the bowling and playing critical middle overs as per match requirements.
Although he has not accumulated a high total run volume, Reddy maintains a notable strike rate, particularly in the latter overs. His strike rate of 215.87 between overs 16 and 20 ranks him third among Indian batters, trailing Tilak Varma and Rajat Patidar.
Key Attributes and Training
Franklin attributed Reddy’s success to both his physical abilities and rigorous training. He described Reddy as a strong and dynamic athlete who takes his fitness seriously. “His professional attitude towards training aims at maximizing his power-hitting capabilities,” Franklin stated.
Throughout IPL 2026, Reddy’s preparation has centered on coming into the match with an attacking mindset. This focus helps him perform under pressure, especially when he needs to hit boundaries early in his innings. Franklin’s observations confirm Reddy’s growing understanding of his role and responsibilities within the team. This growth has led to significant contributions on the field and showcases his commitment as an allrounder.
