Kolkata: Nitish Kumar Reddy has firmly dismissed criticism of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling attack, stating that it is as strong and effective as their much-talked-about batting unit following a convincing victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2026.

Speaking after SRH’s dominant 65-run win at Eden Gardens, Reddy said the perception that their bowling unit lacks depth is misleading and largely influenced by the team’s aggressive batting performances.

Reddy shuts down criticism

Addressing reporters in the post-match press conference, Reddy pointed out that SRH’s bowling line-up includes experienced and reliable performers who have consistently delivered under pressure.

“Sorry to say, sir, but the bowling unit is not as weak as you think. On paper, there are experienced players like Jaydev Unadkat and Eshan Malinga who are doing really well,” he said.

Reddy explained that SRH’s explosive batting often overshadows the contributions of their bowlers, creating a perception imbalance. He emphasised that performing on batting-friendly surfaces, particularly in Hyderabad, requires significant skill and discipline from bowlers.

Strong response after RCB setback

SRH entered the match under scrutiny after their bowlers were put under pressure by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who chased down a target of 202 with ease in a previous encounter.

However, the team responded emphatically against KKR. After posting a formidable total, SRH’s bowlers dismantled the opposition, bowling them out for 161 in just 16 overs and securing a comprehensive win.

The performance not only boosted SRH’s confidence but also improved their net run rate early in the tournament, reinforcing their credentials as a balanced side.

Bowlers deliver collective effort

SRH’s victory was built on a disciplined and coordinated bowling performance across all phases of the innings.

Jaydev Unadkat led the charge with an impressive spell of 3 for 21, using variations effectively to restrict the flow of runs. Eshan Malinga made a strong comeback after a difficult previous outing, picking up 2 for 14 and maintaining tight control.

Harsh Dubey also contributed with a crucial wicket, dismissing Finn Allen at a key moment when the batter looked dangerous.

Reddy himself played a pivotal role, claiming 2 for 17 in his two overs. His quick strikes, including the dismissals of Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy, broke the backbone of KKR’s chase and ensured there was no late comeback.

Turning point in the chase

KKR’s innings had briefly shown promise, particularly through Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who scored a fighting 52. However, his run-out proved to be a decisive moment that shifted momentum firmly towards SRH.

From that point onward, the SRH bowlers tightened their grip, applying sustained pressure and capitalising on errors from the opposition.

Despite a slightly expensive spell from David Payne, the rest of the attack maintained discipline and ensured that KKR never regained control of the chase.

‘Balanced team’ message from SRH

Reddy reiterated that SRH should be viewed as a well-rounded unit rather than a batting-heavy side. He noted that defending totals on flat pitches requires adaptability and execution, qualities the bowling unit has consistently demonstrated.

“The brand of cricket we play and the scores we put up make the batting look stronger, but I would rate the bowling unit equally highly,” he said.

Conclusion

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s clinical performance against Kolkata Knight Riders has gone a long way in challenging the narrative around their bowling strength. With both bat and ball firing, SRH appear to be shaping into a formidable contender in IPL 2026.

Reddy’s comments underline a key point — in T20 cricket, balance is essential, and SRH’s bowlers have proven they are more than capable of complementing their explosive batting line-up.