Rana Opens Up on DPL 2025 Clash
The Delhi Premier League 2025 Eliminator witnessed fireworks both on and off the pitch as Nitish Rana’s unbeaten 134 off 55 balls powered West Delhi Lions into the final. But the innings was overshadowed by an ugly confrontation with South Delhi Superstarz spinner Digvesh Rathi, which nearly escalated into a brawl. Days later, Rana has broken his silence, offering his version of events while making it clear he will never tolerate provocation on the field.
What Sparked the Showdown
The incident occurred at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during a tense run chase. Rathi, preparing to bowl, pulled away just as he was about to deliver. Rana, in response, repeated the same act on the next ball, setting the stage for friction. When Rana struck a towering six in the same over, Rathi exchanged heated words, prompting Rana to charge towards him. The confrontation grew intense until fellow players stepped in to separate the two.
While Rana refrained from revealing the exact words exchanged, he insisted that Rathi instigated the fight. “It’s not about who is right or wrong. He came to win for his team, and I came to win for mine. But respecting the game is the responsibility of both players. He was the one who started it,” Rana told reporters during a media interaction.
Rana’s Fiery Response
Rana made it clear that he would never allow opponents to unsettle him with words or gestures. “If someone pokes me or gets in my face, I’m not someone who will sit quietly. That’s how I’ve always played my cricket. If they think they’ll get me out by provoking me, I can hit back with sixes. Yesterday was an example of that,” he explained.
The 31-year-old’s response was emphatic on the field, where his match-winning century left the Superstarz helpless. Chasing 202, West Delhi Lions crossed the line with 17 balls to spare, ensuring Rana had the last laugh both as a batter and a leader.
Fines and Disciplinary Action
The Delhi Premier League authorities were quick to act against the confrontation. Digvesh Rathi was fined 80 percent of his match fees for instigating the incident, while Rana was penalized 50 percent for his reaction. Both players accepted the sanctions but offered differing takes on the episode, keeping the controversy alive.
For Rana, however, the penalties did little to shake his stance. “The one who starts it has the chance to end it. I’ve been in many fights before, but I’ve never initiated anything. My parents taught me that if you are not wrong, you must stand up for yourself, and that’s exactly what I did,” he said.
Focus Shifts to the Final
With the Eliminator behind them, West Delhi Lions will now face Central Delhi Kings in the grand final on Sunday, August 31. Rana acknowledged the importance of shifting focus back to cricket. “What happened is past now. For me, the responsibility is to lead my team in the final and try to bring the trophy home. That’s where my mind is now,” he said.
The upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling contest between the Lions, who have relied heavily on Rana’s aggressive batting and captaincy, and the Kings, known for their balanced unit and sharp bowling attack. Fans can expect a packed house as Delhi awaits its new champion.
A Player Who Refuses to Back Down
Rana’s fiery nature is not new to Indian cricket followers. Known for his aggressive style, both as a batter and in personality, he has built a reputation for standing his ground. While critics may view his combative nature as controversial, supporters see it as a mark of his fearless approach to the game.
As the DPL 2025 final approaches, Rana’s words and actions have once again ensured that all eyes will be on him. Whether he lifts the trophy or not, his attitude of fighting fire with fire has already left a mark on this season of the league.
