Reddy: ‘You’ve got to do something about your mindset’ in order to succeed

The Rise of an Allrounder

Nitish Kumar Reddy has rapidly emerged as a pivotal figure in the Indian cricket setup. Following a standout Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, he has seamlessly transitioned his form to the international ODI stage. In the recent series opener against Afghanistan—a high-stakes 25-over shootout held in Dharamsala—Reddy made an immediate impact, claiming figures of 2 for 31 in his four-over spell to help guide India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory.

Adapting to a Crucial Role

With Hardik Pandya currently unavailable, the responsibility of being the primary seam-bowling allrounder has fallen to Reddy. It is a role he has embraced with composure and readiness. Addressing the media post-match, Reddy reflected on his preparation, noting that he had been anticipating this specific challenge. His approach is remarkably simple yet effective: focus on the task at hand and remain mentally prepared to contribute whenever the captain signals for his services.

“As I always keep telling myself, as an allrounder, I have to keep doing both the jobs for my team, then the team is going to be in a great position,” Reddy remarked. “I just have to show up, whether the captain gives me the ball or the team needs some runs. I just have to show up there and show some intent in the field.”

Mastering the Mental Game

Perhaps the most significant highlight of his performance was the dismissal of Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. After Gurbaz had scored a brilliant 102, Reddy managed to beat him with a sharp, inswinging yorker delivered with impressive pace. This wicket showcased not just his technical skill, but his ability to execute under pressure.

Reddy was candid about the challenges faced by allrounders in the modern era, particularly in T20 formats where the ‘impact player’ rule often restricts bowlers to fewer overs. He emphasized that the limited opportunities mean there is little margin for error. “When there is a chance for a comeback—after one over, you have to come back and show up—that’s where a player’s mindset determines everything,” he explained.

The Steffan Jones Influence

His recent technical evolution, specifically his increased bowling speed, is attributed to his collaboration with high-performance coach Steffan Jones. Reddy remains hungry for further growth, hinting that fans can expect even more pace as he continues his development. However, he remains acutely aware that technical skill alone is insufficient at the highest level.

“We all have skills; that’s why we’re here. But it’s about the mindset which you present over there,” Reddy added. He noted that in the ODI format, navigating the middle overs with an older ball requires immense discipline. Bowlers must remain focused on hitting the top of the off-stump and adhering to tactical plans, regardless of the pressure.

Pressure as a Stepping Stone

Reflecting on the intensity of playing for India, Reddy views pressure not as a burden, but as a filter for talent. He believes that the sheer depth of talent in Indian cricket necessitates a unique psychological approach. “I always believe that India has so much talent, and if you’re playing there, you’ve got to do something about your mindset in order to succeed. Whoever handles pressure and keeps their mindset very good in the centre, they will have the upper hand,” he concluded. With his eyes firmly set on future challenges, Reddy’s disciplined approach suggests that he is well-equipped for a long and successful career at the international level.