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Key Points

Nitish Rana is likely to return to Delhi cricket after two underwhelming seasons with Uttar Pradesh. His move back has sparked debate, with sources questioning his loyalty after leaving Delhi when they needed him. Rana struggled in UP, scoring just 111 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His return comes ahead of the Delhi Premier League, though he may have to earn his spot back.

Key Points: Nitish Rana Set for Delhi Return After UP Cricket Stint

  • Nitish Rana seeks return to Delhi after poor UP season
  • His move back sparks debate over loyalty and form
  • Struggled in UP with just 111 runs in SMAT
  • Had heated argument with Delhi captain Ayush Badoni last season
3 min read

Nitish Rana likely to represent Delhi again in domestic cricket after two seasons with U.P

Nitish Rana likely to rejoin Delhi cricket after underwhelming performances in UP, sparking debate over his return.

"Yes, Nitish Rana has applied for NOC and approval for it will be given in the coming days. – UPCA Sources"

New Delhi, June 25

Two years after moving to Uttar Pradesh, ahead of the 2023/24 domestic season, left-handed batter Nitish Rana is likely to represent his home state Delhi again in the upcoming 2025/26 season.

Rana had captained Delhi in domestic cricket games before making the move to Uttar Pradesh in 2023.

IANS understands that Rana likely making a move back to Delhi emerged after his name was not spotted in the list of players for the auction ahead of the upcoming season of the UP T20 League. “Yes, Nitish Rana has applied for NOC and approval for it will be given in the coming days.”

“With him not being a domicile player, he would look at deciding on this things season wise as a guest player. As per the norms, we also have to confirm with guest players for their availability from season to season. So they have the flexibility to move around,” said sources in the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to IANS on Wednesday.

Rana had a forgettable time playing for Uttar Pradesh in the 2024/25 domestic season – making only 111 runs in nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He made only 17 runs in two Vijay Hazare Trophy games, before being omitted from the team. The situation wasn’t that great in Ranji Trophy too – amassing 150 runs in four games, before being left out of the team.

Interestingly, Rana’s likely return to the Delhi set-up comes just weeks before the second season of Delhi Premier League (DPL) takes place. Though there’s been no confirmation from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Rana coming back to Delhi, there’s a school of thought which hasn’t been much optimistic about this development.

“Two years back, he left Delhi when the side needed him and requests were made at that time. Now that you are not being picked for the Uttar Pradesh side, you come back to Delhi again. The thinking should be that he would have to earn his spot in Delhi team again,” said a source to IANS.

Rana, who played one ODI and two T20Is for India, had a disappointing IPL 2025 season with the Rajasthan Royals, scoring only 217 runs in 11 matches, before being ruled out of the competition due to a calf injury. Notably, during last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarter-finals, Rana had a heated argument with Delhi captain Ayush Badoni, which required for the on field umpires’ to intervene and separate the duo.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Welcome back Nitish! Delhi needs experienced players like you. Hope this homecoming brings back your form. The DPL will be a great platform to prove yourself again. 💪
P
Priya M.
Not sure how I feel about this. He left Delhi when they needed him, and now wants to return after poor performances in UP? DDCA should think twice before taking him back.
A
Amit S.
Players switching states has become so common these days. But Nitish's case looks more like a forced return rather than a strategic move. Hope he rediscovers his mojo - we've seen his potential in IPL.
S
Sneha P.
That argument with Badoni last season was ugly. Hope there's no bad blood in the Delhi dressing room. Team chemistry is as important as individual talent! 🤝
V
Vikram J.
His stats in last season are worrying - 111 runs in 9 SMAT games is poor for someone of his caliber. Maybe returning to familiar surroundings will help, but he should earn his spot through performances, not just reputation.
N
Neha R.
As a Delhi cricket fan, I'm conflicted. On one hand we need all the talent we can get, on the other - loyalty matters. Let's see if he can win back the fans' trust with his bat! 🏏

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