Sports
Irfan Pathan Sees Nitish Kumar Reddy as Key for Sunrisers Hyderabad's IPL 2026
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Nitish Kumar Reddy could be a crucial stabilizing force for Sunrisers Hyderabad's aggressive batting lineup in the 2026 Indian Premier League. The team is set to begin its campaign on March 28 in Bengaluru.
Irfan Pathan, a former Indian all-rounder, has identified young batting all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as a potential anchor for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Pathan shared his insights on his YouTube channel, suggesting Reddy could provide stability within a team known for its aggressive batting approach. SRH is scheduled to commence their 2026 IPL season on March 28, facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. While attention often focuses on established batters like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Liam Livingstone, Reddy, who earned the 'Emerging Player' award in 2024, is aiming for a rebound after a less productive 2025 IPL season. Pathan noted a decline in Reddy's performance metrics in 2025 compared to the previous year. In 2024, Reddy amassed over 300 runs with a strong strike rate, but his run total nearly halved to approximately 180 in 2025, and his strike rate fell to around 119. Despite this, Reddy frequently batted around the number four position, receiving opportunities in seven of his eleven innings.
Key Facts
- Irfan Pathan suggests Nitish Kumar Reddy could be a stabilizing presence for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2026 IPL.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad will open their 2026 IPL season on March 28.
- Their first match is against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
- Reddy, who won the 'Emerging Player' award in 2024, is looking to improve on his 2025 IPL performance.
- In 2024, Reddy scored over 300 runs with a good strike rate.
- His run tally dropped to about 180 in 2025, and his strike rate decreased to approximately 119.
- Reddy batted around the number four position in seven of his eleven innings during the 2025 season.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Asian News International (ANI) — "He could act as a glue for SRH's ultra-aggressive batting unit": Irfan Pathan on Nitish Kumar Reddy