Nitish Rana Eyes Delhi Comeback After Disappointing Stint in Uttar Pradesh OR Homecoming: Nitish Rana Poised for Delhi Return After Two Seasons Away OR Underperforming IPL Star Nitish Rana Seeks Career Revival with Delhi Return

Nitish Rana Set to Return to Delhi After Two Years in Uttar Pradesh

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

Rana's childhood coach, Sanjay Bharadwaj, confirmed the news to TimesofIndia.com, stating, "Apna ghar toh apna hi hota hai (Nothing comes close to your home)." He added, "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 "wise decision" for Rana, emphasizing that Delhi is where he developed his cricket skills from a young age and even earned his first India call-up. He noted that Rana's return is a "smart move" that could revitalize his career.

Rana's performance in the 2024-25 domestic season for Uttar Pradesh was underwhelming. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored only 111 runs in nine games. He played only two List A matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, managing just 17 runs before being dropped. He was also removed from the Ranji Trophy team after a series of low scores, managing just 150 runs in four games.

While his return doesn't automatically secure him a place in the Delhi side, he will participate in the second season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), which will feature eight teams.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Delhi had requested Rana to stay when he initially sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in 2023. 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 subpar, despite being bought for a significant Rs 4.20 crore. He managed only 217 runs in 11 outings.

His reintegration into the Delhi team might face challenges, especially considering his heated argument with Delhi captain Ayush Badoni during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarterfinals last year. The umpires had to intervene to separate the two players.