Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Nitish Kumar, who contributed a 24-ball 39 and two wickets in his group’s first win of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, towards Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the Eden Gardens right here on Thursday, mentioned his low season work improved his bowling.
“I wished to work on my bowling, nevertheless it’s simply the accidents which I went by way of final 12 months. Fortunately, I bought slightly little bit of time earlier than the season, and I did fairly good in a single week of coaching with a selected particular person. That actually helped and (it) made sense no matter he mentioned to me,” mentioned Nitish, a medium pacer, with out naming his information.
Nitish mentioned for the reason that pitch was two-paced and the ball gripped for the spinners, SRH introduced in Harsh Dubey early, ensuing within the dismissal of the damaging Finn Allen.
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After SRH misplaced some wickets shortly, Nitish shaped an vital 82-run partnership with Heinrich Klaasen and helped their facet put up 226 for eight and beat KKR by 65 runs. Nitish mentioned he adopted the skilled Klaasen’s recommendation throughout that partnership.
“Klaasen is such an skilled participant, reads the scenario effectively. He has been taking part in T20s efficiently. Typically you simply must take heed to a senior who has already been in that scenario. One facet (of the bottom) was large, and one facet was small, and the bowlers have been attempting to make use of that. We have been simply saying that bowlers have been going to overlook the strains and we have been going to capitalise on the free balls,” mentioned Nitish.
Printed on Apr 03, 2026