Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has praised Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, describing him as the “only proper all-rounder” in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. His remarks came after SRH registered a commanding 33-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS), a win that further strengthened their position at the top of the points table.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Dasgupta highlighted Reddy’s growing importance in the SRH setup, noting that he has managed to establish a defined role in a format increasingly influenced by the impact player rule. He said Reddy’s ability to contribute consistently with both bat and ball sets him apart in a tournament where specialist roles are becoming more dominant than traditional all-round responsibilities.

In the match against Punjab Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, SRH delivered a dominant all-round performance, posting a massive 235/4 before restricting PBKS to 202/7. Reddy made an early impact with the ball by dismissing Prabhsimran Singh in the powerplay, helping SRH gain control of the chase from the outset. He also contributed a quick-fire 29 off 13 balls, adding valuable runs in a high-scoring encounter.

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Dasgupta emphasised that Reddy’s role provides SRH with much-needed balance, especially in a format driven by aggressive batting strategies. He noted that teams increasingly prefer stacking their line-ups with multiple batting options, making genuine all-rounders more valuable as they allow flexibility without compromising bowling depth. According to him, Reddy’s ability to bowl three to four overs regularly while batting in the middle order makes him a rare asset.

The former cricketer also pointed out that the evolution of the impact player rule has reduced opportunities for traditional all-rounders, making Reddy’s consistency even more significant. He said that SRH’s strategy of starting with multiple bowling options while maintaining batting depth benefits greatly from players like Reddy, who can contribute effectively in both departments without disrupting team balance.

Dasgupta concluded that in modern T20 cricket, players who can genuinely influence the game with both bat and ball are increasingly rare, and Reddy’s emergence is a positive development for SRH. He added that such players are crucial in high-intensity tournaments like the IPL, where adaptability and flexibility often determine match outcomes.

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