Pat Cummins blown away by Nitish Kumar Reddy’s bowling impact in IPL 2026; calls – Pat Cummins Heaps Praise on Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Impact in IPL 2026

A Rising Star in the Sunrisers Ranks

As the IPL 2026 season reaches its thrilling business end, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have emerged as a formidable force. Following a challenging start, the team has found its rhythm, securing a third-place finish in the points table after a robust league campaign. Central to this resurgence is the stellar performance of young Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose contributions have drawn high praise from none other than skipper Pat Cummins.

Cummins, the legendary Australian pacer, has been instrumental in mentoring the younger members of the squad. Reflecting on Reddy’s transformation, Cummins noted that the youngster has reached an entirely new level this season. The improvement is not just in his batting prowess, where he has provided crucial runs in the death overs, but specifically in his physicality and bowling velocity.

The ‘Different’ Factor in the Bowling Attack

What makes Nitish Kumar Reddy such a valuable asset, according to Cummins, is the unique dimension he brings to the SRH bowling lineup. “I think he’s on to another level this year,” Cummins stated. “He’s picked up probably five kilometers in pace; he’s looking really fit and strong. Previously, he’s had a couple of injuries that have hampered the way he could bowl.”

Cummins emphasized that Reddy offers something distinct compared to the other pacers in the side. “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. It creates a more complete attack because he is different from Sakib, Eshan, or myself or Hinge.”

Mentorship and Collective Success

The success of Sunrisers Hyderabad this season is a testament to their team culture. Cummins has been actively involved in nurturing young talents like Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge. The skipper admits that the dialogue between himself and the younger players is a continuous, two-way street. “We talk as a bowling group before every game, to map out the opposition but also to identify our own strengths. I’ve had plenty of conversations with them. They are both great guys; they want to learn; they want to try new things. We like bouncing ideas off each other,” Cummins explained.

The Road to the Eliminator

The path for SRH in IPL 2026 has been far from smooth. After winning only one of their first four matches, the team faced significant pressure. The team benefited from the contributions of Ishan Kishan during the early stages, and the momentum shifted significantly upon the return of Pat Cummins, who had missed the initial phase of the tournament due to a back injury. Following a difficult 2025 campaign, the team’s turnaround has been nothing short of spectacular, winning eight of their last ten matches.

With a six-win streak in their final seven games, including a decisive victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the confidence in the Sunrisers camp is high. As they prepare to face the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming eliminator at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, the synergy between seasoned leadership and emerging talent like Nitish Kumar Reddy will be the key to their title aspirations.

Whether the Sunrisers can carry this momentum through to the final remains to be seen, but with a well-rounded bowling attack and a captain who values the input of every player, they have undoubtedly positioned themselves as serious contenders for the IPL 2026 trophy.