Reddy: ‘You’ve got to do something about your mindset’ in order to succeed
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The Rise of Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy has firmly established himself as a player of significant interest in the Indian cricket setup. Following a highly successful IPL 2026 campaign with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, the young all-rounder has seamlessly transitioned his form to the international stage. His recent contribution in the opening ODI against Afghanistan—a 25-over rain-affected encounter—resulted in figures of 2 for 31, proving his mettle in a high-pressure environment.
Stepping Up in Hardik Pandya‘s Absence
With Hardik Pandya unavailable, Reddy has been thrust into the spotlight as the primary seam-bowling all-rounder for the Indian side. While this represents a significant shift in responsibility, Reddy remains remarkably composed. Speaking after India’s seven-wicket victory in Dharamsala, he noted that he was mentally prepared for such an opportunity. His philosophy is straightforward: the team benefits when he fulfills both disciplines effectively, and he thrives on being the player the captain trusts to turn the tide.
The Importance of Mental Fortitude
The core of Reddy’s recent success lies in a profound shift in how he approaches the game. He openly advocates for the importance of psychological preparation, stating, Reddy: ‘You’ve got to do something about your mindset’ in order to succeed in the ultra-competitive landscape of Indian cricket. For Reddy, talent is a baseline requirement, but the ability to manage pressure defines the elite performers.
- Pressure Management: Whether in the IPL or international cricket, pressure is constant. Reddy believes that those who maintain a clear, positive mindset gain an upper hand.
- Strategic Adaptation: In the modern game, particularly with the impact of T20 tactical rules, bowlers and all-rounders often face restricted opportunities. Reddy emphasizes that players must prepare diligently to ensure they are never ‘clueless’ when called upon.
- Technical Development: Beyond the mental aspect, Reddy has been working closely with high-performance coach Steffan Jones to increase his bowling pace, indicating that his development is a continuous, multifaceted process.
Learning Through Adversity
Reflecting on his experiences in T20 formats, Reddy highlighted the difficulty of balancing four-over quotas. He noted that in the past, an early bad spell could effectively end an all-rounder’s contribution for the match. However, the current ODI setup provides a different challenge, requiring him to maintain tight lines even with an older ball and fewer fielders in protected positions. This requires a shift in focus—from simply trying to survive the over to actively hitting the ‘top of off’ stump with a clear tactical plan.
Reddy’s dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz—a brilliant inswinging yorker bowled at pace—was a testament to his preparation. It wasn’t just a lucky delivery; it was the result of hours of practice and a focused intent to execute under pressure. By prioritizing his mental game, Reddy has ensured that when the team needs wickets or runs, he is ready to show up and perform.
Looking Toward the Future
As he continues to grow within the Indian national team, Reddy remains focused on his trajectory. His collaboration with Steffan Jones is expected to yield even more speed in the coming months, but he understands that pure pace is only part of the equation. To truly succeed at the international level, one must balance technical skill with an unwavering mental focus. For any aspiring cricketer looking at Reddy’s journey, the lesson is clear: physical training is only half the battle; the real game is played in the mind.
