It was all about redemption for Nitish Kumar Reddy heading into the match against KKR. After a breakout season in 2024 and playing for India, the all-rounder suddenly seemed to be everywhere at SRH. He did not feature much in 13 matches for Hyderabad and his place in the Indian team was not guaranteed after a series of injuries.
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KKR vs SRH, IPL 2026: MAIN | SCORECARD
But on April 2, everything changed at Eden Gardens. The all-rounder opened first with a brilliant knock of 39 and stitched an 82-run stand with Heinrich Klaasen to help SRH reach 226 in the first innings. Then when KKR’s chase was at a crucial point, he came to dismiss Anukul Roy and then got a big wicket from Rinku Singh. seal the game on your side. He finished with bowling figures of two for 17 runs.
After the win and was adjudged the man of the match, Nitish said that he had been eagerly waiting for such a performance and was happy to deliver it at the right time.
“I think it’s very good. It’s just a winning performance that I’ve been waiting for a long time. Fortunately, I bowled it at the right time. I had a bit of confidence with my bowling as well,” said Nitish.
HOW NITISH PUT OFF NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
In 2025, Nitish himself suffered three separate injuries that hampered his progress and prematurely ended his tour of England and Australia. This came after IPL 2025 where he scored just 182 runs and took two wickets.
Nitish admitted that he had too many negative thoughts last season along with the injuries. However, he has gone back to the drawing board and worked on his bowling and everything is going according to plan.
“I’m just trying to be positive. There were too many negative thoughts in my mind because last season I didn’t do well and I had too many injuries. I didn’t bowl last season. I know I worked a bit on my bowling. I took a break before the IPL season. I worked really hard on my bowling. It really pays off. When you work hard and it shows on the ground, it’s quite happy. I’m happy.”
“I feel very good. Thanks to the trainers and physios who took care of me. I mean my body feels fit now.”
The win gives SRH momentum going into their clash with LSG on April 5.
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Published on:
03 Apr 2026 03:00 IST
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