After a challenging IPL 2025, in which Nitish Kumar Reddy managed only 182 runs across 11 innings at a strike rate below 120 and also saw his bowling opportunities curtailed by injury, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) allrounder has looked like a different player in IPL 2026. With greater pace and improved power-hitting, Reddy has added the late-innings balance SRH were missing last season. On the eve of SRH’s Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in New Chandigarh, SRH’s pace-bowling coach James Franklin praised Reddy’s allround impact.
From IPL 2025 struggles to a renewed allround role
Franklin suggested that last season provided key lessons for Reddy, even if the start didn’t go exactly as planned.
- Franklin said Reddy likely took several learnings from his IPL 2025 experience after a difficult run of form.
- He noted that there may have been heightened expectations following Reddy’s relatively recent involvement with India.
- Franklin added that, heading into this year, Reddy put significant work into his bowling to reshape his role.
Using overs differently: deeper at No. 5/6 and bowling in key phases
According to Franklin, SRH have made Reddy’s usage more flexible in IPL 2026, with his batting now often coming later in the chase or in the finishing phase.
- Franklin said Reddy’s role has been “slightly deeper” compared with last year.
- He explained that Reddy is more likely to arrive with around six or seven overs remaining at No. 5 or No. 6.
- Franklin pointed to “unbelievable cameos” from Reddy that have helped SRH close out innings.
- He highlighted that Reddy’s bowling has also been deployed more strategically, depending on the match-up.
- Franklin said Reddy has been used to open the bowling at times, while at other points he has been brought in the middle overs based on what works best.
Franklin summed up the transformation by stressing the team’s satisfaction with Reddy’s comeback after a season that was tougher for him.
- Franklin said Reddy’s contribution this season has been “immense.”
- He added that the group is particularly pleased with Reddy, “after a season… where it was a bit more of a struggle.”
- Franklin concluded that Reddy has “bounced back” in a big way this year.
Finisher impact: high strike rate between overs 16 and 20
While Reddy may not carry the highest run volume, Franklin said he has preserved a strong strike rate that helps SRH accelerate at the business end. Franklin’s comments align with Reddy’s shift in batting position across IPL 2026.
- In the previous season, Reddy largely batted at No. 4, and he initially started IPL 2026 in the same spot.
- A move down the order has since given him more freedom to impact games in the later stages.
- Reddy’s strike rate of 215.87 between overs 16 and 20 is the third-best by an Indian batter in that phase of the IPL.
- The only Indian batters ahead of him for that overs window are Tilak Varma (256.66) and Rajat Patidar (249.12).
What’s driving the hitting: athleticism, net power work, and match-specific preparation
Franklin linked Reddy’s improved batting to a mix of physical attributes and targeted training away from the nets.
- He described Reddy as “a wonderful athlete,” highlighting that he is strong, fast, and dynamic.
- Franklin said Reddy’s allround role keeps him involved in games, which helps his overall match rhythm.
- He also praised Reddy’s professionalism in how he looks after himself, suggesting it helps him arrive ready to generate power.
- Franklin noted that Reddy deliberately trains for that power, supported by drills designed for impact hitting.
Franklin further explained that Reddy’s batting preparation across IPL 2026 has been built around a clear expectation of when he might walk in and what type of batting is required.
Franklin said Reddy’s planning has been geared toward situations where he is most likely to come in with four or five overs remaining, sometimes with six overs left, and at times may need to start aggressively—potentially even going for a six on the first ball. Franklin added that, having watched him throughout the tournament, it now looks as though Reddy understands exactly what he must do when he reaches the wicket.
