As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season unfolds, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is brimming with confidence about his team's prospects of reclaiming the title they narrowly missed last year. After finishing as runners-up to Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 finals, Reddy believes that the only unfinished business for SRH is to lift the trophy this season.
Speaking on Jio Hotstar's special show 'Gen Bold,' Reddy shared his thoughts on the team's approach to the game. "I would rate my team very highly. We had an incredible season last year, and we want to replicate that success. Our strategy is simple—playing with a free mind, maximizing runs in the powerplay, and carrying that momentum into the later overs. Whether it’s the top or middle order, everyone has a role to play. We’re hopeful for another great season," he said.
However, the season hasn't started as SRH would have hoped. Currently sitting in eighth place in the standings after losing their last two matches, the team is eager to turn things around. They face a crucial rematch against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, at Eden Gardens later today. Reddy emphasized the importance of this match, noting, "To be honest, I never set personal goals, even when playing for India or in the IPL last year. The only unfinished business is lifting the trophy. We created history with some records, but our ultimate goal is to win the IPL title and add a second star to SRH's legacy."
Reflecting on his personal growth, Reddy expressed satisfaction with his development since last season when he scored 303 runs in 13 matches for SRH. His impressive performances earned him a spot on the Indian national team in both T20I and Test formats. "I am very happy with the progress I've made, both in my performances for my country and my IPL franchise. I want to continue delivering at the same level. There has been a significant change—people have started recognizing me and praising my performances. However, I don’t want to let this get to my head. Moving forward, I want to play with the same passion and consistency, whether it’s for my franchise or India. My focus remains on keeping my love for cricket alive," he stated.
Reddy also praised the leadership of SRH captain Pat Cummins, describing him as an "extremely calm and composed leader". He noted, "The way he handles pressure is remarkable. When you see your captain managing things so smoothly, it instills confidence in the entire group. His composure helps us believe that we can always make a comeback. As a captain, he is brilliant, and I truly enjoy playing under his leadership."
When it comes to facing bowlers, Reddy has gained valuable insights into his opponents. He mentioned that he has started to understand bowlers better, saying, "Just as they study my game, I analyze theirs too. My approach will remain the same, but I will adapt to situations as required." He singled out Kagiso Rabada as a particularly tough challenge, recalling their encounter during a match against Punjab. "Last year, I didn't play the first four matches, but when I did, I found Kagiso Rabada particularly challenging. When we played against Punjab, he was very expressive on that wicket, and facing him there was a tough challenge for me," he explained.
Looking ahead, Reddy is eager to face some of the best bowlers in the league. He remarked, "I would be grateful for the challenge. Jasprit Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the world right now, and facing him would be an exciting contest. If I manage to score some runs against him, I would be very happy. Competing against top bowlers like Bumrah is what makes the game exciting."
As the IPL progresses, Reddy's focus remains sharp on the team's collective goal rather than individual accolades. He reiterated, "To be honest, I never set personal goals, even when playing for India or in the IPL last year. The only unfinished business is lifting the trophy." Reddy's commitment to the team's success reflects a maturity beyond his 21 years.
In addition to his on-field aspirations, Reddy acknowledged the influence of cricket legends on his career. He admires the contributions of players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stating, "This generation of Indian cricket has been shaped by legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and others. They have taken Indian cricket to new heights, and we aspire to carry forward their legacy."
When asked about skills he would like to borrow from these icons, Reddy said, "From Dhoni, I would love to have his captaincy skills. From Kohli, I admire his aggression and passion for the game. And from Rohit, I would love to master his pull shot—it’s simply outstanding."
As SRH gears up for the rest of the season, Reddy's competitive spirit shines through, especially in his training sessions with teammate Abhishek Sharma. "I would love to battle against Abhishek Sharma. We have intense contests in the nets, always challenging each other. I want to continue that competitive spirit in matches as well," he remarked.
With the IPL 2025 season still in its early stages, the Sunrisers Hyderabad are determined to shake off their recent setbacks. As they prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders, all eyes will be on Reddy and his teammates to see if they can turn their fortunes around and start their journey toward lifting the coveted trophy once again.
