Here is why Nitish Rana Isn’t Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Match 53 Against RR

In a surprising move, Rajasthan Royals (RR) announced their playing XI for the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) without experienced left-hander Nitish Rana. The match, being played at Eden Gardens, was expected to be a high-stakes contest despite RR being already eliminated from the playoffs.

Rana’s omission sparked curiosity, especially considering the matchup against his former franchise, where he had made a strong mark in past seasons. Speculations quickly swirled among fans and experts as Rajasthan unveiled their updated lineup just ahead of the toss.

Even more intriguing was the debut of 22-year-old Kunal Singh Rathore, who slotted directly into the middle order in Rana’s absence. Rathore, a promising talent from the domestic circuit, now shoulders the responsibility in a game that could influence KKR’s playoff fate.

Parag Clears the Air at the Toss

It was only during the toss that RR skipper Riyan Parag revealed the reason behind Rana’s absence. “Nitish has a niggle and is not fit to play,” Parag stated. “So, Kunal Rathore comes into the side, and Hasaranga returns for Kartikeya. We’ve also brought in Yudhvir for Fazal.”

Rana was bought for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He has been a key figure in RR’s campaign. The veteran was expected to bring experience and stability against a strong KKR bowling unit. His absence comes as a setback, though it opens a big opportunity for Rathore. The batter impressed everyone in the 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a strike rate of 152.85.

Toss and Team Updates

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bat first, citing the dry surface. “We want to put runs on the board and then defend,” Rahane said. “We’ve brought back Moeen and Ramandeep into the XI, just trying to strengthen our balance.”

Both sides are making multiple changes. The match promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Especially with KKR needing a win to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Playing XIs

Rajasthan Royals:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag (C), Kunal Singh Rathore, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Akash Madhwal

Impact Subs: Kumar Kartikeya, Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Moeen Ali, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora

Impact Subs: Manish Pandey, Harshit Rana, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell, Luvnith Sisodia

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