Rajasthan Royals Secure Star : The IPL 2025 auction witnessed several exciting moments, and one of the highlights was Nitish Rana’s acquisition by Rajasthan Royals for a price of ₹4.20 crore. Known for his all-round abilities and versatility in batting, Nitish Rana attracted significant interest from franchises during the bidding process. Initially, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showed keen interest in acquiring Rana, followed by a competitive bidding war involving Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Despite starting with CSK’s intent to secure him, it was Rajasthan Royals who ultimately won the battle and added the experienced player to their roster. Rana, who had entered the auction with a base price of ₹1.5 crore, turned out to be a valuable asset for Rajasthan at a reasonable price. Now, he will play under the captaincy of Sanju Samson in IPL 2025, bringing his depth of experience and leadership qualities to the Royals’ lineup.
The Bidding War: How Rajasthan Royals Secured Nitish Rana
Nitish Rana’s name came up for bidding on the second day of the IPL 2025 auction. CSK was quick to initiate the bidding process, recognizing Rana’s ability to contribute as both a top-order and middle-order batter. However, Rajasthan Royals and RCB soon joined the fray, with RCB pushing the bid to ₹3 crore. Rajasthan Royals Secure Star
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As the bidding intensified, the competition boiled down to Rajasthan Royals and RCB. The price reached ₹4 crore, and after a brief tussle, Rajasthan Royals sealed the deal at ₹4.20 crore. This acquisition marked a significant move for Rajasthan Royals, as they acquired a skilled player with proven credentials in the IPL arena. Rajasthan Royals Secure Star
Nitish Rana’s IPL Journey
Nitish Rana’s IPL career has been remarkable, with several franchises benefiting from his performances over the years. Rana debuted in the IPL in 2015 with Mumbai Indians (MI), where he was bought for ₹10 lakh. He continued with MI until 2017, before moving to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2018.Rajasthan Royals Secure Star
With KKR, Rana’s fortunes rose, and he commanded a significant price of ₹3.40 crore, which later increased to ₹8 crore in 2022. Rana’s contributions with the bat and his ability to take crucial wickets with his off-spin made him a valuable player for KKR. In 2023, he even captained KKR in the absence of Shreyas Iyer, leading the team to a seventh-place finish in the points table. Rajasthan Royals Secure Star
In 2024, Rana remained with KKR at the same ₹8 crore price tag. However, after being released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, he was snapped up by Rajasthan Royals at ₹4.20 crore, signaling a new chapter in his IPL journey. Rajasthan Royals Secure Star
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Rajasthan Royals’ Strategy and Expectations
Rajasthan Royals have consistently been known for their sharp auction strategies and emphasis on acquiring talented players at competitive prices. The purchase of Nitish Rana reflects their approach to bolstering their middle-order strength while adding versatility to the batting lineup.
Rana’s ability to adapt to different batting positions and his experience as a leader add immense value to the Royals. As a former captain for KKR, Rana brings leadership insights, which could support Sanju Samson in team strategy and on-field decisions. With his all-round capabilities, he is expected to play a pivotal role in Rajasthan Royals’ campaign in IPL 2025. Rajasthan Royals Secure Star
Nitish Rana’s Career Earnings in IPL
Nitish Rana’s IPL journey over the years showcases his consistent growth as a player. Here’s a breakdown of his IPL earnings:
- 2025: ₹4.20 crore – Rajasthan Royals
- 2024: ₹8 crore – Kolkata Knight Riders
- 2023: ₹8 crore – Kolkata Knight Riders
- 2022: ₹8 crore – Kolkata Knight Riders
- 2021: ₹3.40 crore – Kolkata Knight Riders
- 2020: ₹3.40 crore – Kolkata Knight Riders
- 2019: ₹3.40 crore – Kolkata Knight Riders
- 2018: ₹3.40 crore – Kolkata Knight Riders
- 2017: ₹10 lakh – Mumbai Indians
- 2016: ₹10 lakh – Mumbai Indians
- 2015: ₹10 lakh – Mumbai Indians
Over the years, Rana’s earnings have reflected his growing stature as a dependable and multi-faceted cricketer in the IPL.
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What’s Next for Nitish Rana?
With Rajasthan Royals securing Nitish Rana, the team is poised to utilize his batting prowess and all-round capabilities in the upcoming season. Fans are eager to see how Rana fits into the Royals’ setup and contributes to their pursuit of IPL glory. The partnership with players like Sanju Samson and the Royals’ dynamic batting lineup promises an exciting season ahead.
Nitish Rana’s journey from Mumbai Indians to Rajasthan Royals has been nothing short of inspiring, and the 2025 IPL season could mark another milestone in his already illustrious career.
