SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered another explosive cameo in IPL 2026, taking the attack straight to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) spinner Krunal Pandya during their high-scoring clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, May 22.
The young right-hander walked in with momentum already heavily in SRH’s favour after Heinrich Klaasen’s destructive innings had put RCB under immense pressure. However, Krunal Pandya briefly gave Bengaluru hope by dismissing Klaasen for a sensational 51 off just 24 balls on the second delivery of the 17th over.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, though, wasted no time in shifting the momentum back towards SunRisers Hyderabad. Facing his very first ball, the youngster confidently launched Krunal’s tossed-up delivery over cow corner for a massive six. The next ball met a similar fate as Nitish once again attacked the left-arm spinner, this time clearing the long-on boundary with another powerful maximum.
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The back-to-back sixes instantly energised the Hyderabad crowd and highlighted Nitish’s fearless batting approach in pressure situations. The all-rounder eventually remained unbeaten on 29 runs from only 12 deliveries at a remarkable strike rate of 241.66, smashing three sixes and one boundary during his impactful cameo.
Earlier in the innings, SRH’s top order had completely dominated the RCB bowling attack. Ishan Kishan played a brilliant knock, finishing unbeaten on 79 off 46 balls with the help of eight boundaries and three sixes. Abhishek Sharma continued his sensational form with a rapid 56 off just 22 balls, while Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive half-century further punished the defending champions.
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Travis Head also provided another aggressive start at the top, scoring 26 off 16 balls as SRH piled up a massive 255/4 in their 20 overs. For RCB, Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as the standout bowler despite the difficult conditions, returning with figures of 2/52. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya picked up one wicket each.
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The huge total placed additional pressure on Rajat Patidar’s side, especially considering only two successful 250-plus run chases had been recorded in IPL history before this match, both achieved by Punjab Kings. RCB’s highest successful IPL chase remains 229 against Lucknow Super Giants in 2025.
While RCB aimed to secure the top spot in the IPL 2026 points table, SRH needed a massive victory margin to strengthen their hopes of finishing inside the top two before the playoffs.
