Reddy: ‘You’ve got to do something about your mindset’ in order to succeed – Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Success: ‘You’ve got to do something about your mindset’ in order to succeed

Nitish Kumar Reddy: The Rising All-Rounder Stepping Up

Nitish Kumar Reddy has rapidly emerged as a key player in the Indian cricket landscape, showcasing exceptional talent with both bat and ball. His impactful performance in the IPL 2026 for Sunrisers Hyderabad was a testament to his capabilities, and he has carried that momentum into the international arena. Notably, Reddy made a significant mark in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan, delivering an impressive spell of 2 for 31 from just four overs in a rain-affected 25-over contest during the first game.

In the absence of seasoned campaigner Hardik Pandya, Reddy has embraced the crucial role of the main seam-bowling all-rounder for the national team in ODIs. This is a relatively new responsibility for him in the 50-over format, yet he approached it with remarkable readiness. Following India’s convincing seven-wicket victory, Reddy revealed that he was “expecting this situation to come at any point” and had prepared himself to be “ready at the right time.”

The All-Rounder’s Mantra: Performing Both Jobs

Reddy’s understanding of his role is refreshingly straightforward and deeply committed. Speaking at the post-match press conference in Dharamsala, he articulated his core philosophy: “Just simple. As I always keep telling myself, as an allrounder, I have to keep doing both the jobs for my team, then the team is going to be in a great position.” This statement underscores his belief in a balanced contribution, where his prowess with both bat and ball is equally vital to the team’s success.

He further elaborated on this pragmatic approach, stating, “I just have to show up, captain gives me the ball or team needs some runs, I just have to show up there and show some intent in the field. That’s how I see it as an allrounder.” This perspective highlights a player who is not only versatile but also possesses a strong sense of duty and proactive engagement, always ready to contribute wherever and whenever the team demands it.

Clutch Performance and Adapting to Bowling Demands

One of the standout moments from his recent performance against Afghanistan was the dismissal of the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz. After Gurbaz had scored a commanding 102, Reddy delivered a blistering inswinging yorker at pace, beating the centurion comprehensively. This critical wicket not only demonstrated his skill but also his ability to perform under pressure at crucial junctures.

Reddy also shed light on the challenges of maintaining bowling rhythm, particularly for all-rounders in the T20 format. “In T20s, like IPL and all, because of the impact player, I was not able to do complete four overs,” he explained. This reduction in bowling opportunities in franchise cricket prompted him to adjust his preparation strategy. “So I was preparing myself to, you know, [that I] shouldn’t be clueless when captain gives me the ball. I have to have some plans. If it’s not regularly bowling in matches, at least I would do my stuff in practise so I am ready at the right time.” This dedication to practice ensures that his skills remain sharp, even when match scenarios limit his chances.

Advocating for All-Rounder’s Opportunities and the Mindset for Comeback

The impact player rule in T20s, while adding a strategic dimension, can sometimes limit the exposure for all-rounders, particularly with their bowling. Reddy voiced his opinion on this, stating, “For allrounders, it is a bit difficult because we always expect to get four overs [in T20s].” He reminisced about a time when an all-rounder could recover from a bad over, “Even at first, one or two overs, if you get [hit], at least there will be two overs [left]; you can come back and you can give your effort. It used to be like that, but now if you bowl one or two overs bad, maybe that’s the end of the tournament also for some allrounders or bowlers.”

This observation leads him to a crucial point about mental resilience: “I would say when there is chance for the comeback – after one over, you have to come back and show up – that’s where players’ mindset determines everything. I believe bowlers should get four overs, and allrounders should get four overs. At least they need to get that experience.” His advocacy stems from a deep understanding of the need for sustained opportunities for skill development and the importance of allowing players to bounce back from setbacks, which is a vital part of building character and experience in the game.

Enhancing Pace and the Power of Mindset

Reddy’s bowling has visibly improved, notably in terms of pace. He attributes this enhancement to recent dedicated work with fast-bowling and high-performance coach Steffan Jones. This collaboration is ongoing, and Reddy optimistically states that “hopefully in the future, you can see me bowling [with] a little bit [more] pace.” This commitment to continuous improvement highlights his ambition to evolve as a complete cricketer.

However, beyond technical skills and physical attributes, Reddy firmly believes that success hinges on something more intrinsic. “We all got skills, that’s why we’re here. But it’s about the mindset which you present over there,” he asserted. This statement is the crux of his philosophy, emphasizing that raw talent alone is insufficient without the right mental approach.

Mastering Pressure: The Ultimate Test of Mindset

The demands of cricket, especially at the elite level, constantly test a player’s mental fortitude. Reddy elaborated on the scenarios where mindset becomes paramount: “You need to be strong, because the ball will be old after 20 overs [in ODIs] and you need to bowl those tight lengths with five fielders in and it’s just, you need to come back and hit the top of off and you know what the plan is, and it all depends on the situation, you know. You have to use the situation according to you and you have to improve and get some wickets over there. That’s how we prepare ourselves.” This paints a vivid picture of the tactical and psychological challenges faced by a bowler in the latter stages of an innings.

Ultimately, Reddy encapsulates his wisdom on pressure and success with a powerful reflection: “I would say pressure is there everywhere. I mean, not in this setup, but IPL, you will be having pressure. But I always believe that India has so much talent and if you’re playing there, ‘you’ve got to do something about your mindset’ in order to succeed. So when someone handles pressure well, that’s when you want to get some runs and get some wickets. Whoever handles pressure and keeps their mindset very good in the centre, they will be in upper hand.” This profound insight from Nitish Kumar Reddy serves as a guiding principle, not just for aspiring cricketers, but for anyone looking to excel under demanding circumstances. His journey exemplifies how a strong mental game, combined with diligent preparation and undeniable skill, paves the way for triumph on the biggest stages.