Sunrisers Hyderabad are getting ready for the IPL 2026 season. Their first match will be against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28 in Bengaluru.
Before the season begins, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his thoughts on one of SRH’s young players, Nitish Kumar Reddy. Pathan believes Reddy’s recent form could become an important factor for Hyderabad in the opening stages of the tournament.
According to Pathan, SRH have a powerful batting lineup, but they also need stability in the middle order. This is where Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role becomes important.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Needs to Bounce Back
Nitish Kumar Reddy had an excellent IPL season in 2024. The young batter impressed everyone with his performances and won the Emerging Player of the Year award.
In that season, he scored more than 300 runs with a strike rate close to 143 and an average above 33. His confident batting helped Hyderabad in several matches.
However, the following season was not as successful for him. His performance dropped and he struggled to score consistently.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Last Two IPL Seasons
| Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2024 | 13 | 300+ | 33.67 | 142.92 |
| IPL 2025 | 11 | 182 | 22.75 | 118.95 |
Even though Reddy got chances in the middle order, especially around the number four position in several matches, he could not convert those opportunities into big scores.
Because of this, experts believe the upcoming season will be important for him to prove his consistency again.
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Irfan Pathan Explains Reddy’s Role in SRH Batting
Irfan Pathan said that Reddy can play a key role in Hyderabad’s batting order if he returns to form.
He pointed out that SRH’s lineup includes many aggressive batters who like to attack from the beginning. In such a team setup, a player who can control the innings and rotate strike becomes very valuable.
Pathan believes Reddy can become the stabilizing player in the middle order.
He explained that when other players are attacking the bowlers, someone in the lineup needs to hold the innings together and guide the team through difficult situations. Reddy has the ability to do that if he plays with confidence.
Why Nitish Kumar Reddy Is Important for SRH
Sunrisers Hyderabad have built a strong batting lineup filled with power hitters. Players like Liam Livingstone add more attacking options to the squad.
While aggressive batting can help score runs quickly, teams also need balance. If too many batters attack without control, wickets can fall quickly.
This is why Reddy’s role becomes crucial. He can rotate the strike, build partnerships, and support the power hitters around him.
If he performs this role well, he can become one of the most important players in Hyderabad’s lineup.
Nitish Kumar Reddy IPL Career Stats
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| IPL Matches | 28 |
| Runs | 485 |
| Batting Average | Around 28 |
| Strike Rate | Above 130 |
| Half Centuries | 2 |
| Wickets | 5 |
Apart from batting, Reddy can also contribute with the ball when needed. His all-round ability makes him a valuable option for the team.
As Sunrisers Hyderabad prepare for their first match of IPL 2026, Nitish Kumar Reddy will be one of the players under close watch.
If he finds his form again, he could become the key player who balances Hyderabad’s aggressive batting style. A strong start to the season could also help him rebuild confidence and play a bigger role for the team in the tournament.
