Nitish Rana

A talented left-handed batsman, Rana plays for Delhi in domestic cricket and for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Having made his List-A debut in 2012, Rana had to wait for another 3 years to make his first class debut for Delhi, and he had a staggering debut season, amassing 557 runs at an average of 50.63 and finished as Delhi’s highest-run getter in the tournament. 

Rana had a great 2015 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 299 runs in 8 innings and struck 21 sixes in the tournament. Rana rose to prominence in the same tournament, when he scored a majestic 97 off just 40 deliveries against Andhra Pradesh which included 8 huge hits over the fence. 

He had a modest 2016 Ranji season and could only accumulate 404 runs in 8 matches, but the following season Rana again showed his value with the bat, registering 613 runs in 8 games at a staggering average of 55.72.

Good performances in the domestic circuit caught the attention of the IPL franchises, and it was the Mumbai Indians who roped him ahead of IPL 2015. In a team filled with superstars, Rana had to wait for his opportunity, and it was in the next season where Rana showcased his talent. 

In 4 matches that he played, Rana scored 104 runs with the highest score of 75. MI management trusted him a lot more in the next season and he could make it big for himself and his team. He scored 333 runs from 13 innings.

Kolkata Knight Riders came calling after he was released ahead of the IPL 2018 season and he instantly became an integral part of the KKR batting setup.

Rana had a decent IPL last year, amassing 352 runs in 14 games as Kolkata finished fifth in points table.

The dashing left hander was retained by KKR ahead of IPL 2021.

A prolific batsmen in the domestic circuit, Rana has seen lots of ups and downs in his career. He has been a vital cog for Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders and will look to continue to perform for the IPL franchise in the upcoming season.

(As of March 2021)