Pat Cummins blown away by Nitish Kumar Reddy’s bowling impact in IPL 2026; calls – Pat Cummins Lauds Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Impactful Rise for Sunrisers Hyderabad
A New Level of Excellence for Nitish Kumar Reddy
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have once again established themselves as a formidable force in the Indian Premier League, and at the heart of their resurgence in 2026 is the emergence of Nitish Kumar Reddy. The young Indian all-rounder has become a focal point of praise from his captain, the legendary Australian pacer Pat Cummins, who believes the youngster has elevated his game to an entirely new level this season.
The Sunrisers have successfully navigated a challenging campaign, finishing third on the points table with an impressive record of nine wins from 14 matches. Their journey included a decisive victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final league encounter, securing their spot in the IPL eliminator. While the team’s batting unit has been explosive, it is the added dimension provided by Nitish Kumar Reddy that has caught the attention of the team leadership.
Cummins Highlights the ‘Point of Difference’
Pat Cummins, known for his keen eye for talent and tactical acumen, noted that Reddy’s physical transformation has been a significant factor in his recent success. According to the captain, the all-rounder’s improved fitness has directly translated into better pace and consistency.
“I think he’s on to another level this year. He’s picked up probably five kilometers; he’s looking really fit and strong,” Cummins explained. “Previously, he’s had a couple of injuries as well that have hampered the way he could bowl.”
Beyond the increased velocity, Cummins emphasized that Reddy brings a unique technical skill set that complements the rest of the SRH bowling arsenal. “He offers something a little bit different to anyone else in the bowling lineup. He can really swing the ball, so that’s why he’s got the chance with the new ball a few times. So that’s another point of difference—he’s different from Sakib, Eshan, or myself or Hinge. It creates a more complete attack.”
Mentorship and the Culture of Growth
The success of Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2026 has not been limited to established stars. The side has integrated several young talents who have been given consistent opportunities to perform on the big stage. Pat Cummins has played a pivotal role in this, acting as a mentor to younger players like Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge. When asked about his influence on their growth, Cummins maintained a modest approach, focusing on the collaborative nature of the team environment.
“We talk as a bowling group before every game, to map out maybe a couple of the opposition but also what our strengths are. Yeah, I’ve had plenty of conversations with them. They are both great guys; they want to learn; they want to try new things,” said the skipper. “They had a few questions; I’m not sure I’ve given them good answers, but yeah, we like bouncing ideas off each other.”
A Season of Redemption
The path for SRH in 2026 has been one of perseverance. After starting the season with a difficult run—securing only one win in their initial four matches—the team found their rhythm. The early part of the season was particularly testing, with Pat Cummins missing matches due to a recurring back injury. During that period, Ishan Kishan stepped up to help stabilize the team’s campaign, allowing for the eventual surge that followed Cummins’ return to the fold.
Following a disappointing 2025 campaign, the team’s turnaround has been nothing short of spectacular. By winning eight of their final ten matches—including a streak of six wins in their last seven—the Sunrisers have regained the momentum that characterized their run to the 2024 finals. As they prepare to face the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming eliminator at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, the squad looks to be in peak physical and mental condition, largely due to the confidence injected by leaders like Cummins and the breakthrough performances of young stars like Nitish Kumar Reddy.
