Former South Africa pacer and ex-Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach Dale Steyn didn’t mince his words after Hyderabad’s defeat to Mumbai Indians on Thursday. As Mumbai chased down a target of 163 with ease, Steyn was left scratching his head over one key decision — the non-utilisation of Nitish Reddy’s bowling.
Despite being a genuine all-rounder, Reddy hasn’t bowled a single over in IPL 2025 so far, and Steyn took to social media to voice his concern. “Have SRH just forgotten that Reddy can bowl…? Has a bit of a golden arm, absolutely worth an over or two,” he tweeted.
Have SRH just forgotten that Reddy can bowl…?
Has a bit of a golden arm, absolutely worth an over or two.
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) April 17, 2025
If he’s injured then it’s understandable, but he seems to be batting just fine, so… 🤷♂️
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) April 17, 2025
Dale Steyn further added that unless Nitish Reddy is carrying an injury, there’s no justification for keeping him away from the ball, especially when he’s been active with the bat. To be fair, Reddy is returning from a side strain, an injury that can be aggravated by bowling.
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However, his fitness doesn’t seem to be in question when it comes to batting — he has featured regularly, although his performances haven’t hit the mark. The youngster has managed just 131 runs in six games at an average of 21.83, with no significant knock since his maiden Test century in Melbourne.
Interestingly, he has been batting at No. 4, ahead of the more experienced Heinrich Klaasen. With just four points from seven matches, Sunrisers Hyderabad sit at ninth place on the points table. Head coach Daniel Vettori has called on his batters to adjust their methods on more challenging pitches, like the one at Wankhede, which offered variable pace and bounce.
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Mumbai adapted far better, using short and slower deliveries to perfection, eventually sealing a four-wicket win. Questions remain around SRH’s tactical choices, and Nitish Reddy’s unused bowling arm is one of them.
