Irfan Pathan Names Key Indian Player to Steady SRH’s Performance, Not Kishan or Abhishek
Ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted the potential impact of Nitish Kumar Reddy on the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batting lineup. As SRH prepares to kick off their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, Pathan emphasized Reddy’s ability to provide balance to a team filled with aggressive players. Despite a disappointing performance last season, Reddy’s past achievements suggest he could be a key player for SRH this year.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Performance Analysis
Irfan Pathan pointed out the significant drop in Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance from the previous season. In 2024, Reddy had a standout year, scoring over 300 runs with a strike rate of 143, earning him the ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ award. However, his numbers fell sharply in 2025, where he managed only 182 runs in 13 matches at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of around 119. Pathan noted that Reddy had ample opportunities to perform, batting around the number four position in seven out of eleven innings. The decline in his performance raises questions about his ability to capitalize on scoring chances, making his role in the upcoming season crucial for SRH.
Leadership Challenges Without Pat Cummins
The absence of Pat Cummins at the start of the season due to injury is another concern for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pathan expressed that Cummins’ leadership and experience would be sorely missed, especially for younger players who often look to senior teammates for guidance during challenging moments. Cummins has been a pivotal figure for SRH, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. Last season, he matched Harshal Patel with 16 wickets and had previously taken 18 wickets in another season. His ability to hit big shots from the lower order has also added to the team’s aggressive approach. Pathan emphasized that the lack of Cummins’ presence in the dressing room could impact the team’s dynamics early in the season.
Ishan Kishan’s Role as Captain
With Cummins sidelined, Ishan Kishan is set to take on the captaincy for SRH. Pathan highlighted Kishan’s recent performances, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 517 runs in 10 matches, including two centuries and two fifties. This impressive run led to his return to the national team and contributions to a T20 World Cup-winning campaign. Pathan believes that Kishan’s upward trajectory and confidence make him a suitable choice for captaincy. While there were discussions about Abhishek Sharma potentially taking on the captaincy role, Pathan feels that Kishan’s recent successes and leadership experience make him the better option for SRH as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
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