Sunil Gavaskar has lauded young Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for his impressive return to form following a series of injury setbacks, highlighting the player’s enhanced bowling pace and overall fitness during a key IPL 2026 match.
The former India captain was particularly struck by Reddy’s all-round contribution in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s recent encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders. Reddy earned Player of the Match honours after scoring a quick 39 off 24 balls and claiming two wickets for 17 runs. His bowling efforts helped SRH restrict KKR to 161 in 16 overs while defending a challenging total of 227. Jaydev Unadkat picked up three wickets, while Ehsan Malinga and Reddy took two each. For KKR, Angkrish Raghuvanshi top-scored with a brisk 52 off 29 balls. Earlier, Heinrich Klaasen’s unbeaten 52 off 35 deliveries, supported by knocks from Travis Head (46), Abhishek Sharma (48), and Reddy, guided SRH to 226 for 8.
While commentating on Star Sports, Gavaskar commended the visible improvements in Reddy’s bowling. “He is definitely bowling quicker now and has clearly added a bit more pace. You can see better rhythm and flow in his action as well. That often happens when a player is fully fit and stronger physically,” he observed. The legendary opener added that Reddy appeared “fully fit and stronger physically” and noted the extra bounce the bowler was generating, describing it as encouraging for the Indian team.
Gavaskar also referenced Reddy’s appreciation for his physical trainer and conditioning staff, calling it a significant positive.
Reddy, who had a breakout IPL 2024 season and was tipped for national selection, faced multiple fitness challenges in 2025, including three injuries that cut short his tours to England and Australia. He did not bowl during the previous IPL season due to these setbacks.
After the victory over KKR, Reddy reflected on his journey: “It is just me trying to be positive. There have been too many negative thoughts in my mind because the last season didn’t go my way, and I had too many injuries. I didn’t bowl last season. I know I worked on my bowling a little bit. I got a break before the IPL season. I worked really hard on my bowling. It is really paying off.” He credited the trainers and physios for helping him feel fit again.