Nitish Reddy: A Rising Star in Sunrisers Hyderabad's Lineup

Nitish Reddy has become a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad with improved performances in batting and bowling, as noted by assistant coach James Franklin. Reddy's contributions were pivotal this IPL season, showcasing significant progress from last year.

Nitish Reddy has flourished in a bigger role and is a much improved T20 cricketer from the last Indian Premier League season, said Sunrisers Hyderabad assistant coach James Franklin here on Tuesday.

A much fitter Reddy has made an impact both with the bat and his medium pace bowling for SRH this season, and Franklin said the Indian all-rounder has made significant improvements in his game.

'Last year, Nitish probably took a lot of learnings. There were a few things, form (wise), probably didn't start exactly how it wanted to for him. Obviously, there might have been a bit more expectation with having just recently been involved with India...' said Franklin ahead of the IPL Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals here on Wednesday.

Reddy has chipped in with seven wickets and 264 runs in 13 games lower down the order this IPL, compared to 182 runs last season while he bowled only 30 balls.

'He has done quite a bit of work on his bowling, he (has) looked as confident as ever with the bat in the early part of our campaign. In terms of the prep work, in the first couple of games he got some validation on that in terms of getting a couple of little cameo scores and partnerships,' said Franklin.

'That just gives you that validation, as I said, that confidence as a batter to go out and perform a role. His role has obviously been slightly deeper this year as opposed to last year as well, sort of more (about) coming in with maybe six or seven overs to go at No. 5 or No. 6, and he has played some unbelievable cameos for us in finishing off innings and his bowling as well.'

'He has been utilised in opening the bowling, he has been utilised in the middle, just again depending on what we foresee being the best match-up for him to enter the game. His contribution for us this year has been immense,' added the former New Zealand international.