Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has hailed Nitish Kumar Reddy as the IPL’s most convincing allrounder in the 2026 season, calling him “the only proper all-rounder” after Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a 33-run win over Punjab Kings. Dasgupta pointed to Reddy’s all-round impact—especially his early strike with the ball in the powerplay—as the reason Hyderabad’s balance continues to look so sharp in a tournament that is increasingly driven by high-risk batting.
Dasgupta’s verdict on Nitish Kumar Reddy
Speaking after the match, Dasgupta said the way teams are using allrounders is evolving, and he believes Reddy is a standout example of how that role should be valued. He suggested that even with the presence of an “impact” option in the game, Reddy has carved out a clear niche for himself as a true allrounder.
- Dasgupta said Reddy’s allround influence is “changing” and hopes that next season the allrounder’s importance is recognised even more clearly.
- He called it “heartening” that Reddy has found his space as an allrounder despite the impact-sub element.
- Dasgupta argued that there aren’t many genuine allrounders in the tournament, adding that Nitish is the only “proper all-rounder” he sees consistently.
- He praised the pattern of Reddy’s involvement: batting in the middle order and bowling regularly for at least three or four overs.
How SRH’s bowling and batting powered the 33-run win
SRH produced another commanding all-round display at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Hyderabad set a target of 235/4, then successfully restricted Punjab Kings to 202/7 to move to the top of the points table.
Hyderabad’s batting laid a strong platform for the win, with aggressive contributions from Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Both batter delivered half-centuries, and their momentum came after Punjab dropped key chances in the field. Alongside that heavy scoring, Nitish Kumar Reddy added a sharp cameo of 29 runs off just 13 balls.
- SRH posted 235/4 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
- Punjab Kings were limited to 202/7.
- SRH climbed to the top of the points table after the 33-run victory.
- Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen struck half-centuries as Punjab missed crucial opportunities in the field.
- Nitish contributed 29 runs from 13 deliveries.
Reddy’s powerplay strike and the flexibility he brings
Dasgupta highlighted how Reddy’s bowling impact began early, explaining that his ability to take wickets at important moments helps Hyderabad’s chase-prevention plans. In particular, he noted that Reddy struck in the powerplay to dismiss Prabhsimran Singh, which left Punjab’s chase struggling right from the start.
He also underlined that Reddy’s presence gives the SRH setup the flexibility and balance they need in a format increasingly dominated by high-risk batting. Dasgupta suggested that Reddy’s work behind the scenes over recent months has helped everything “click” at the right time.
Why the allrounder role matters in high-risk cricket
Dasgupta tied his praise to the tactical reality of modern IPL matches, where teams often carry multiple bowling options but still need stability in the batting order. He said that starting with a group of five bowlers—while still having an allrounder like Nitish in the XI—allows teams to effectively treat the lineup as if it contains nearly nine batting threats.
- Dasgupta said the “impact rule” can potentially take away from the allrounder’s role, but Reddy has still delivered significant value.
- He credited Reddy’s preparation over the past few months for the way his contributions have come together.
- Dasgupta noted that many teams play high-risk, high-reward cricket, making it helpful to begin with five bowling options and then see how the game unfolds.
- He explained that this approach means teams are effectively managing “almost nine batters” across the innings plan.
- He added that an allrounder of Nitish’s type becomes extremely important because the side can include an extra batter with confidence that the player can also deliver four overs when needed.
