Our ultimate goal is to win IPL and add second star to SRH's legacy: Nitish Kumar Reddy
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, Nitish said speaking in a special show on JioHotstar
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2025-04-03 10:58 GMT
Speaking on JioHotstar’s special show ‘Gen Bold,’ Nitish Kumar Reddy reflected on his growth since the last TATA IPL: “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.”
On SRH’s explosive batting line-up, he said: “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.”
On Pat Cummins as a captain, Nitish commented: “He is an extremely calm and composed leader. The way he handles pressure is remarkable. When you see your captain managing things so smoothly, it instils 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.”
On adapting to bowlers, and on facing the toughest bowler in the TATA IPL, Nitish commented: “I guess I have started understanding the bowlers better now. Just as they study my game, I analyze theirs too. My approach will remain the same, but I will adapt to situations as required. 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.”
On facing Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish said: “I would be grateful for the challenge. He 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.”
On personal goals for the season, Nitish said: “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.”
On praising the Gen Bold cricketers, he said: “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. Players like Jasprit, Rohit and Virat are truly golden assets to Indian cricket.”
On one skill he would borrow from Dhoni, Kohli, and Rohit, Nitish 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.”
On one bowler he would love to battle against, Nitish said: “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.”