Nitish Rana Eyes Delhi Comeback After Disappointing Uttar Pradesh Stint OR Former Delhi Captain Nitish Rana Returns to Home State After Uneventful UP Tenure OR Struggling Nitish Rana Seeks Revival with Delhi Return After Underwhelming UP Season

Nitish Rana Set for Delhi Return After Uttar Pradesh Stint

Two years after his move to Uttar Pradesh, Nitish Rana, the 31-year-old cricketer, is expected to rejoin Delhi for the upcoming domestic season.

Rana, a former Delhi captain, had transferred to UP in 2023. His childhood coach, Sanjay Bharadwaj, revealed to TimesofIndia.com, "Apna ghar toh apna hi hota hai (There's no place like home)." Bharadwaj confirmed, "Yes, he will be playing for Delhi this season. I had asked him not to move out then also. He didn't have a great season with Uttar Pradesh. As a professional cricketer, you have too much pressure."

Bharadwaj believes this is a strategic move for Rana. "It is a wise decision from him that he is returning to Delhi. This is where he has played all his cricket, right from the age-group level. He even got his first India call-up while playing for Delhi. It is a smart move," he stated. Bharadwaj has also mentored notable players such as Gautam Gambhir, Amit Mishra, Joginder Sharma, Unmukt Chand, and Priyansh Arya.

Rana's performance in the 2024-25 domestic season for Uttar Pradesh was unremarkable. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored just 111 runs in nine matches. He participated in only two List A matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring a mere 17 runs before being dropped. His poor form also led to his removal from the Ranji Trophy team after scoring only 150 runs in four games.

While his return doesn't guarantee an immediate spot in the Delhi side, Rana will participate in the second season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), featuring eight teams.

A source familiar with the situation emphasized, "This is not a dump station. When he asked for the No Objection Certificate (NOC) in 2023, we had requested him to stay and play for Delhi." The source added, "He will have to earn his spot. There is no guarantee that he will get a chance right away."

Rana's IPL 2025 season with the Rajasthan Royals was also underwhelming, despite being bought for a substantial Rs 4.20 crore in the auction. He managed only 217 runs in 11 innings for the Royals.

The circumstances of Rana's return to the Delhi unit remain to be seen, especially considering his previous altercation with Delhi captain Ayush Badoni during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarterfinals last year, which required intervention from the umpires.