James Franklin Praises Nitish Reddy's Remarkable Comeback Ahead of SRH vs RR Clash
Franklin Commends Reddy's Performance
Mullanpur (Punjab) [India] - As Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) gears up for their eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), fast bowling coach James Franklin has lauded young Indian all-rounder Nitish Reddy for his impressive resurgence following a challenging 2025 season. Franklin noted that Reddy has dedicated significant effort to enhance his bowling skills, contributing greatly to the team's achievements this season.
Exciting Matchup Ahead
The upcoming match promises to be thrilling as Riyan Parag's RR faces off against Pat Cummins' SRH on Wednesday. The winner will advance to play against Gujarat Titans (GT) for a chance to secure the second spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier Two.
Reddy's Journey from Struggles to Success
Last season, Reddy, who was named 'Emerging Player of the Season' in 2024 with 303 runs in 11 innings, struggled significantly. After a stellar Test performance in Australia, where he scored a century in the Boxing Day Test, he fell short of expectations, managing only 182 runs at an average of 22.75 and taking two wickets.
A Season of Redemption
This season, however, Reddy has made vital contributions for SRH, amassing 264 runs in 12 innings with an average of 29.33 and a strike rate of 169.23, including a half-century. His bowling has also improved, with seven wickets at an average of 44.42, showcasing his versatility in both new ball and middle overs.
Franklin's Insights on Reddy's Development
Franklin shared insights on Reddy's growth, stating, 'I believe last year provided him with valuable lessons. He faced high expectations after his involvement with the national team, but he has worked hard on his bowling this year.' He emphasized Reddy's role has shifted to batting deeper in the order, allowing him to finish innings effectively.
Reddy's Impact in Death Overs
Reddy's impressive strike rate of 215.87 in the death overs (16-20) ranks third among Indian batters this season, trailing only Tilak Varma and Rajat Patidar. Franklin attributed Reddy's enhanced hitting ability to his natural strength and specialized power-hitting drills during training.
Professionalism and Preparation
Franklin praised Reddy's professionalism, noting, 'He is a remarkable athlete—strong, fast, and dynamic. His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition allows him to maximize his power.' He highlighted Reddy's preparation, which focuses on understanding his role in the game, particularly when entering the field with limited overs remaining.