Nitish Reddy: From Pace Trampler to 140 Kmph Threat

Nitish Kumar Reddy's bowling has undergone a remarkable transformation, with his pace increasing from the late 120s to touching the early 140s kmph during IPL 2026. This development has not gone unnoticed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who highlighted Reddy's progress as critical for India's future squads, particularly leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The significant improvement is attributed to England's pace bowling coach Steffan Jones, who adopted a 'brain over brawn' approach. Jones focused on training Nitish's understanding of fast bowling, using methods like frequent, flat-out bowling sessions with varied ball weights to enhance speed and manage fatigue. Tweaks to Nitish's run-up and back foot contact, inspired by Jofra Archer's action, aimed to improve linear momentum and balance. Jones believes Reddy's added speed makes him a potential world-leading all-rounder, complementing his existing batting talent. Their association began through an Instagram message and is now a long-term partnership, with ongoing support planned.

Steffan Jones's coaching involved detailed analysis, including using the Pitchwolf app to assess Reddy's sprint data. Based on this, Jones advised a faster, longer run-up, emphasizing linear momentum due to Reddy being a hip-dominant bowler. Modifications to his back foot contact were made to ensure quicker propulsion from the crease, leading to better front leg stability. Jones also focused on refining Reddy's bowling circle, encouraging a higher arm action akin to Jofra Archer's to generate greater speed through a larger lever. Jones emphasized unlocking Reddy's physical potential as an athlete and fine-tuning his action to better utilize it. This comprehensive approach aims to make Reddy an invaluable asset across all formats for the Indian cricket team.