3 reasons why DC trading in Nitish Rana ahead of IPL 2026 Auction is the right move

In a major move before the IPL 2026 Auction, Delhi Capitals (DC) traded in Nitish Rana from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an all-cash deal. DC acquired his services for his existing fee of ₹4.2 crore.

Nitish Rana put up a decent performance last season, scoring 217 runs from 11 matches at a strike-rate of 161.94. However, the Royals decided to let him go, which came as an unexpected move.

The left-hander began his IPL journey in 2016 with the Mumbai Indians (MI). After two seasons with them, he joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2018. Having spent multiple seasons with KKR, he then moved to RR after the 2024 season.

Nitish Rana being acquired by the Capitals could benefit them in multiple ways. Not only do they gain an experienced player, but it could also solve a few existing problems as well.

That said, here are three reasons why DC trading in the 31-year-old for IPL 2026 is the right move.

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#3 Excellent form in DPL 2025 and being a local lad

Nitish Rana hails from Delhi and will be a local lad in the DC set-up. Knowing the conditions could benefit his performance, which will help the Capitals as well. The left-hander also displayed excellent form in the recent edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL).

Playing for West Delhi Lions, he struck a crucial match-winning 79-run knock in the final. In 11 matches, he scored 393 runs at an average of 65.60 and a strike-rate of 181.94. He not only contributed with the runs but was also the captain of the team.

His knock in the final proved his ability to score under pressure, as it came in a run chase. Having delivered in the DPL, he will be confident of doing well for DC in familiar conditions.

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#2 More options outside of Axar Patel

DC skipper Axar Patel had a tough season with the ball last year. In 11 innings, he managed to pick up just five wickets at an average of 57.60 and an economy of 8.47. Nitish Rana coming in would give the team an extra left-arm spinner apart from Axar.

While he has not bowled a lot in the IPL, he does have the ability to chip in a few overs in the middle with the ball. In 76 innings in T20s, Nitish has bagged 51 wickets at an average of 21.21 and an economy of 7.05.

Therefore, having an extra left-arm spinner could release some pressure off Axar Patel. Moreover, an additional option on spin-friendly tracks in Delhi would come in handy for the home team.

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#1 Nitish Rana solves a massive batting issue for DC

Nitish Rana's arrival could solve a major batting issue for the Delhi Capitals. Last season, they initially opened with Faf Du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk, while KL Rahul batted in the middle. The opening combination did not work, and they promoted Rahul to open the batting.

While Rahul scored 235 runs in four innings as an opener, it was too late till they seemed to have found some stability at the top. Further, Rahul moving up left the middle order slightly vulnerable.

As Nitish Rana bats in the middle order and has scored a lot of his runs there, DC could now afford to have Rahul as a permanent opener with a reliable and experienced Indian batter in the middle. Therefore, it could solve two issues in the batting order at the same time.

Edited by Rishab Vm