 "Nitish Rana and Digvesh Rathi embroiled in a fiery altercation. Image: DPL/X")
The Delhi Premier League 2025 witnessed an ugly altercation between West Delhi Lions captain Nitish Rana and South Delhi Superstarz’s bowler Digvesh Rathi during the Eliminator contest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday.
The episode ensued after Rathi pulled away from delivering a ball at the final second to Rana, who was batting. The former KKR captain did the same on the next delivery. However, it was the batsman who got the last laugh in this contest as he was able to strike a six in the same over.
Following that, a war of words between the two, Rana was visibly more animated, charged towards the spinner, prompting the rest of the South Delhi team to intervene and simmer down the tempers.
Also Read | Did Gambhir have a hand in Iyer’s absence from Asia Cup squad: ‘Someone younger easier to manage…’
Nitish Rana on showdown with Digvesh Rathi
Following the culmination of the match, Rana addressed the matter and stated he was minding his own business until Rathi triggered that response from him.
“It’s not about who’s right or wrong," Rana said during a media interaction. “He came to win the match for his team, and I came to win for mine. But respecting the game of cricket is my responsibility, and it’s his as well. He was the one who started it, I won’t say how or what happened because that would be unfair”.
He further stated that he knows how to answer when someone tries to instigate him.
“But yes, if someone pokes me or gets in my face, I’m not someone who will just sit quietly. Because this is how I’ve always played my cricket. If someone pokes me, and they think they’ll get me out by provoking me, then I can also hit back with sixes. What happened yesterday was an example of that,” he added.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsRana accuses Rathi for starting the quarrel
Rana blamed Rathi for starting the tussle and not backing away. Both Rathi and Rana were heavily fined for their heated exchange. Rathi was fined 80 per cent of his match fees, while Rana was fined 50 per cent.
“The one who starts it, it’s in their hands to end it. I’ve been in many fights so far; it’s not like I haven’t. But till today, I’ve never initiated anything. Yes, if someone says something to me first, I always respond, and that’s my way,” said Rana.
“That’s how I’ve been brought up. My parents taught me that if you’re not wrong, then you should stand up for yourself, and that’s exactly what I do, and I’ll keep doing it in the future too,” he added.
As for the contest between bat and ball, there as well Rana made headlines. The batter scored an unbeaten knock of 134 off 55 balls, and in the process, he took his team past the finish line in the chase of 202. West Delhi Lions won the match by seven wickets.