After Two Years with Uttar Pradesh, Rana Eyes a Fresh Start at Home
Indian cricketer Nitish Rana is likely to return to his home team Delhi for the upcoming domestic season, according to a report by the Times of India. The left-handed batter had moved to Uttar Pradesh (UP) in 2023, where he played across all three formats. However, with mixed performances and mounting pressure, Rana is now looking to revive his domestic career with a return to familiar territory.
During his stint with UP, Rana featured in 16 T20 matches, seven List A games, and 10 first-class fixtures. While he managed an average of 31.93 in red-ball cricket, his performances in the white-ball formats left much to be desired.
“Apna ghar toh apna hi hota hai (Nothing comes close to your home),” said Sanjay Bharadwaj, Rana’s childhood coach, while speaking to TOI. “Yes, he will be playing for Delhi this season. I had asked him not to move out back then also. He didn’t have a great season with UP. As a professional cricketer, there’s too much pressure.”
Returning to Roots: A Smart Career Move
Rana’s coach believes the decision to return to Delhi is a wise one, highlighting that the city played a crucial role in shaping his cricketing journey. “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,” Bharadwaj added.
Rana was last seen in action during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represented Rajasthan Royals. However, it wasn’t a standout season for him, as he managed only 217 runs at an average of 21.7.
With a return to Delhi, Rana hopes to regain form and confidence in an environment that has always felt like home. As the new domestic season approaches, all eyes will be on whether this move helps the experienced batter get back to his best.
