Nitish Kumar Reddy's Bowling Transformation in IPL 2026

Nitish Kumar Reddy has made significant strides as a bowler in the 2026 IPL, impressing fans and experts alike with his enhanced speed and technique. After a frustrating previous season, he dedicated his off-season to training with PaceLabs founder Steffan Jones, leading to a remarkable increase in his bowling speed. This article explores Reddy's journey, the technical adjustments made, and the long-term goals set for his development as a top all-rounder. Read on to learn more about his transformation and future prospects in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 18, 2026, 22:42 IST

Nitish Kumar Reddy's Remarkable Bowling Progress

Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a standout bowler in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), showcasing significant advancements in his bowling skills. The all-rounder, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), made headlines by taking the wicket of Sanju Samson with his very first delivery during a challenging chase of 195 runs. He also dismissed the formidable Ayush Mhatre during the powerplay. Although Nitish had only managed two wickets prior to this match, his bowling has garnered attention from cricket analysts due to his impressive increase in speed. He recorded a bowling speed of 139 km/h this season, nearly 10 km/h faster than his previous average in the mid-120s.

How Off-Season Training Enhanced Nitish Kumar Reddy's Speed

Nitish's newfound pace is the result of dedicated off-season training, driven by his desire to enhance his performance. "This season is crucial for me, and I was determined to improve my speed before the IPL. I felt my athleticism wasn't translating into my bowling, so I decided to invest in my development," he shared in a conversation with a sports outlet. His collaboration with Steffan Jones, a former County bowler and founder of PaceLabs, has been pivotal in this transformation. Nitish discovered Jones through social media and reached out for assistance.

Jones, who was preparing to travel to South Africa for his academy, agreed to work with Nitish for a week. He analyzed numerous videos of Reddy, including one from the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his speed was criticized. Jones identified technical flaws in Reddy's run-up and bowling action, emphasizing the importance of proper technique for speed enhancement. "He had an angled run-up that hindered his energy transfer. We adjusted his approach to ensure his energy was directed towards the batter," Jones explained.

Jones elaborated on the significance of the last four strides in a bowler's run-up, which are crucial for generating power. He noted that a significant portion of ball speed originates from the run-up. Their training involved various drills to refine Reddy's technique and improve his overall performance. Jones expressed confidence in Nitish's potential, stating that with continued work, he could consistently bowl over 140 km/h. "The improvements are evident, and while quick gains can be made in a week, lasting changes require a longer commitment. We aim to develop a comprehensive training model that encompasses technical, tactical, and physical elements," he added.

Jones plans to maintain a long-term training relationship with Nitish, focusing on his development as a top all-rounder across formats. "I'm excited about his progress, and he is too. We'll meet again for the upcoming KKR match and discuss our future training plans. The goal is to consistently elevate his speed and skill level," Jones concluded.