Indian cricketer Nitish Rana is poised to make a significant move in his cricketing career as he prepares to switch from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Indian domestic season. The former Delhi captain has requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) to compete in domestic competitions elsewhere. Rana’s decision comes after a challenging season and a series of setbacks that led to his exclusion from the Delhi team.
Season of Struggles
The 29-year-old cricketer had a challenging run during the Ranji Trophy 2022–23, leading to his omission from crucial matches. His performances saw a dip, with only 71 runs in three matches at an average of 17.75 runs, resulting in his loss of captaincy. Rana’s form prompted Delhi to make Yash Dhull the skipper, an unexpected change that played a role in his growing dissatisfaction.
Rumours have been circulating about Rana’s possible move to Uttar Pradesh for the domestic season. An official from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) confirmed the likelihood of Rana’s transfer, stating that the formalities were being finalised, and an official statement would be issued soon.
DDCA’s Stance
Reports of Nitish Rana applying for an NOC from the DDCA to participate in domestic competitions for other teams prompted an official to address the situation. The official noted that it would be counterproductive to retain a player who had made up his mind to leave. He emphasised that attempting to persuade Rana to stay against his wishes could negatively impact team morale and dressing room atmosphere.
The unexpected change in captaincy was one of the primary reasons for Rana’s dissatisfaction during his tenure with Delhi. However, the prospect of joining Uttar Pradesh offers him a fresh start and the chance to reunite with his former Kolkata Knight Riders teammate, Rinku Singh. This potential reunion could serve as a positive aspect of his move to Uttar Pradesh.
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