Nitish Rana has seen highs and lows in Indian cricket. Once a consistent IPL run-getter, his form dipped badly in 2024 and 2025. Injuries, poor domestic numbers, and inconsistent IPL returns pushed him out of the spotlight. Even a move from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh failed to revive his rhythm.
But his return to Delhi in 2025 marked a new chapter. In the Delhi Premier League (DPL), Rana played three crucial playoff knocks. Scores of 134*, 45*, and 79* not only secured the title for West Delhi Riders but also restored his lost confidence. His explosive 134 off 55 balls in Qualifier 1 was the defining moment of the tournament.
Rana himself admitted he was only one big innings away. That knock and his consistency in pressure matches reminded fans of his old self. Despite struggles in IPL 2025 with the Rajasthan Royals, he proved that experience and belief can help revive careers, with series against teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Nitish Rana’s Journey Through Struggles and Setbacks
Nitish Rana’s decline began in 2022-23, when his Ranji form disappeared. He scored just 71 runs in three matches before being dropped. A move to Uttar Pradesh followed, but that change failed to deliver success.
In IPL 2024, despite KKR lifting the trophy, Rana featured in only two games. His domestic season that year was equally disappointing. Low scores, inconsistent strike rates, and constant bench time added frustration.
The year 2025 brought more challenges with the Rajasthan Royals. He managed two half-centuries but also recorded six single-digit scores in 11 matches. For someone once known for IPL consistency, this was a clear dip.
But the DPL changed the narrative. By dominating playoff matches and finishing unbeaten in crunch games, Rana showed he could still rise under pressure. His knock against South Delhi Superstarz reminded fans of his fearless shot-making.
Why Delhi’s Return Revived His Career?
The decision to return to Delhi gave Rana new energy. Familiar dressing rooms, old teammates, and a supportive environment helped him rediscover rhythm.
The DPL win came after two lean years where he averaged below expectations in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali. Yet, his return to Delhi and his focus on self-belief seem to have paid off. Now, questions about his India comeback have once again started to rise.
He admitted the move was not about proving anything but finding comfort. That comfort translated into runs. Sometimes, returning to your roots provides the push a player needs. For Rana, it unlocked his form again.
How Can Nitish Rana Make a Comeback in the Indian Team?
Rana’s India dream is alive, but will need consistency. He last played for India in 2021, featuring in one ODI and two T20Is. Since then, competition in the middle order has only grown stronger.
To return, Rana must deliver across formats. Domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali remain key. His IPL form will also play a huge role. With selectors focusing on reliable finishers and adaptable middle-order batsmen, Rana must prove he fits both roles.
Why Consistency Will Be the Key Factor?
His DPL knocks were a step forward, but the bigger test is sustaining runs across seasons. If he avoids lean patches and continues with fearless but smart batting, the selectors may notice again. Age is on his side, and his experience adds value.
Selectors want long-term performers, not one-season wonders. Rana’s comeback chance depends on consistent scores, not just flashes of brilliance.
If he repeats his DPL form in IPL 2026, his India return becomes realistic. A few strong domestic tournaments could tilt the balance in his favor.
How Has Nitish Rana Made an Impact with His Shot Selection?
Rana’s strength has always been his attacking intent. He is known for aggressive cover drives, fearless lofted shots, and powerful pulls. In DPL 2025, his shot selection stood out.
Instead of reckless hitting, he chose moments smartly. Against spinners, he cleared boundaries without losing shape. Against pacers, he relied on timing rather than raw power. This balance between aggression and control gave him big scores.
His 134* off 55 balls included 15 sixes, most of them well-judged. He forced bowlers to alter their lengths, creating pressure on the opposition. Shot selection is often the difference between success and failure, and Rana proved he has improved in this aspect.
Modern T20 cricket demands quick decisions under pressure. Poor shot choices often cost teams games. By improving his judgment, Rana has become more reliable. His ability to switch gears according to situations makes him an asset. For selectors, this improved maturity could make his case stronger.
How Nitish Rana Is the Perfect Batsman at Middle Order?
India’s middle order needs flexibility. Rana has shown he can play multiple roles. At No.4, he can anchor an innings. At No.5 or No.6, he can finish games with power hitting.
His left-handed batting adds balance to a right-hand-heavy order. In pressure matches, he has shown the ability to both stabilize and accelerate. This makes him a strong middle-order candidate for India. As India makes
In DPL 2025, his innings showed patience early and aggression late. That is the ideal mix needed for middle-order roles. If he continues this style, he could solve India’s occasional middle-order struggles.
The middle order often decides T20 matches. Early wickets need stability, while death overs need hitting power.
Rana brings both, which is rare. His ability to adapt roles could make him a vital piece in India’s future plans if he keeps performing.
Lessons from Rana’s Fight Against Pressure
Rana admitted that pressure often got to him in past seasons. He punished himself mentally, struggled with self-belief, and switched teams, hoping for change.
But his latest innings show growth. He now accepts failure as part of the game. Instead of desperation, he backs his preparation. That shift in mindset may be his biggest weapon moving forward.
Like many players who bounce back, Rana knows comebacks need patience and calmness. If he holds on to this mindset, his return to the India team could be closer than expected.
Conclusion
Nitish Rana’s comeback story is about belief, patience, and rediscovery. His lean years in 2024 and early 2025 could have ended his hopes. Instead, his return to Delhi in domestic matches gave him the confidence to rise again.
The Delhi Premier League showed that he can handle pressure and deliver match-winning knocks. His improved shot selection, balanced aggression, and ability to finish games proved he has matured as a batsman.
India’s selectors now want reliable performers. If Rana can continue this form in the upcoming IPL and domestic seasons, he could push his way back into the national setup. His left-handed middle-order presence adds balance that India often seeks.
For now, Rana says he will not overthink. His focus is on controlling what is in his hands — his batting. If he maintains that mindset, this chapter may not just be a domestic comeback but also the start of another India journey.
