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It turned out to be a memorable night for Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday, as he delivered with both bat and ball to power SRH to a commanding 65-run win over KKR.
Both teams entered the clash on the back of defeats in their opening IPL 2026 matches—Hyderabad losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata going down to Mumbai Indians—making this encounter crucial for both sides in their hunt for their first victory.
Reddy opens up on long-awaited performance
Reflecting on his outing, Reddy expressed relief at finally delivering a match-winning performance and was pleased that his bowling clicked at the right moment.
"It's the match-winning performance I was waiting for a long time. Thankfully it came at the right time, and even my bowling, it's given me confidence. Just trying to be positive," Nitish said at the post match presentation.
The 22-year-old also admitted that he had been dealing with negative thoughts following a disappointing 2025 season.
"There have been too many negative thoughts in my mind because the last season didn't go my way and I couldn't bowl last season."
Hard work on bowling pays off
Nitish Kumar Reddy further highlighted the effort he has put into improving his bowling and credited the support staff for helping him regain rhythm and fitness.
"I've worked really hard on my bowling and it's paying off, and that really makes you feel happy and I am happy now. Thanks to the trainers and physios, my body is fully fit now."
Explosive start sets the tone for SRH
After winning the toss at Eden Gardens, the Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane opted to field first against Ishan Kishan-led SRH. The decision backfired early as openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head came out aggressively, stitching together an 82-run partnership.
Sharma smashed 48 off just 21 balls, while Head matched the tempo with a 46 off 21 deliveries. Heinrich Klaasen further strengthened the innings with a solid 52 off 35 balls.
Reddy then stepped in to provide the finishing flourish, scoring 39 off 24 balls, including four sixes and a boundary, helping SRH post a formidable total of 226 runs.
SRH bowlers dismantle KKR batting lineup
In reply, Kolkata Knight Riders struggled to build momentum and were eventually bowled out for 161 runs. The SRH bowling unit, led by Jaydev Unadkat, who picked up three wickets, ensured that KKR never settled into a steady partnership.
Reddy contributed with the ball as well, claiming two key wickets—Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy—while conceding just 17 runs in his two overs. His impactful all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Nitish Kumar Reddy credits teammates for strong batting display
He also praised the contributions of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen for laying the foundation of the big total.
"Not happy with the way I played but really happy the team was committed. Everyone was putting in the energy they put that I asked for. I don't think the pitch was that good to be honest.
"Head and Abhishek played a beautiful knock out there. The powerplay made the game easy for us because every batter got time to take singles and get a feel of the pitch. Great effort from them and Klaassy at the end. Team effort."
SRH eye momentum ahead of next clash
Sunrisers Hyderabad will next take on Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday, April 5. Both Nitish Kumar Reddy and the team will aim to carry forward this winning momentum at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
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