Follow UsNitish Rana revealed that it was Digvesh Rathi who initiated the altercation during the Eliminator of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025. West Delhi Lions emerged victorious over South Delhi Superstarz, thanks to an extraordinary innings from Rana, who smashed an unbeaten 134* off just 55 balls.
However, his heroics and the match result were overshadowed by a heated spat with Rathi. The confrontation occurred in the 10th over of the chase. Known for playing mind games early in his career, Digvesh attempted one of his classic ‘fake-outs,’ halting his delivery in the final second after completing his run-up.
Rana, no stranger to gamesmanship himself, responded immediately on the next ball with his own ‘fake-out'. This seemed to frustrate Digvesh, and Rana then unleashed a reverse-sweep off the following ball that sailed for six. That was the tipping point - tempers flared, and both players exchanged harsh words, requiring teammates to intervene.
Reflecting on the incident, Rana said in a media interaction, as reported by TOI: "It’s not about who’s right or wrong. 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.
"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.
“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. 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.”
After the Eliminator, Rana’s West Delhi Lions continued their campaign, defeating East Delhi Riders by eight wickets in Qualifier 2. Rana contributed 45* off 26 deliveries in the 140-run chase. The Lions will face Central Delhi Kings in the grand finale on August 31 (Sunday).