Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has singled out Nitish Kumar Reddy as the standout all-rounder of the IPL 2026 season, highlighting his dual impact with bat and ball after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 33 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Reddy's latest all-round contribution — a brisk 29 off 13 balls with the bat and an early strike with the ball that dismissed Prabhsimran Singh in the powerplay — underscored why Dasgupta believes he stands apart in a tournament increasingly reliant on specialist batsmen.

The all-rounder paradox in modern T20

Dasgupta's observation cuts to the heart of a broader shift in IPL strategy. The introduction of the impact substitute rule — designed to allow teams tactical flexibility — has paradoxically squeezed out traditional all-rounders from many squads. Yet Reddy has carved out a niche precisely because he fills a gap that high-risk batting lineups cannot ignore. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Dasgupta explained: "We don't get to see too many all-rounders in this tournament. I think Nitish is the only proper all-rounder. Bats in the middle order, bowls more often than not for at least three to four overs."

Why Reddy's balance matters

In an era where most IPL teams stack their XI with five or six specialist batsmen chasing high-risk, high-reward cricket, an all-rounder who can contribute meaningfully with both bat and ball becomes invaluable. Dasgupta pointed out that Reddy's presence allows SRH to field five bowling options without sacrificing batting depth — effectively giving them nine batters on paper. "If you start with five bowlers and that's where the all-rounders, somebody like Nitish, are so, so important. So you can actually get an extra batter in there knowing very well that this guy can give you four overs," Dasgupta noted.

SRH's dominant all-round display

The victory over Punjab exemplified SRH's balanced approach. The franchise posted 235/4, built on aggressive half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, who capitalised on Punjab's fielding lapses. Reddy's quickfire cameo added crucial acceleration in the death overs. In response, SRH's bowling unit — anchored by Reddy's early breakthrough — restricted Punjab to 202/7, sealing a comprehensive win that lifted SRH to the top of the points table.

The recognition gap

Dasgupta also flagged a wider issue: the cricket ecosystem's slow recognition of the all-rounder's true value in T20. "That's a very valid point, how we perceive the impact of the allrounder. That is changing, and I hope that keeps changing and next season the role of the allrounder is recognised more as we go forward," he said. Reddy's standout season suggests that narrative may finally be shifting — but only for those willing to invest the work. Dasgupta credited Reddy's recent form to meticulous preparation: "He's definitely done a lot of work behind the scenes over the last few months to get everything clicking as it is."