The Delhi Premier League 2025 Eliminator has made the headlines for a heated on-field altercation involving the IPL veteran Nitish Rana and the young and rising Digvesh Rathi.
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Rana and Rathi had a verbal spat and were seen fuming at each other. The former has now opened up on the incident, stating that it was Rathi who ignited the conflict.
Nitish Rana opens up on altercation with Digvesh Rathi
Both Rana and Rathi have been in the news previously as well for their aggressive behaviour and on-field altercation. Rathi was, in fact, fined a couple of times and even banned for one game during the IPL for his fiery send-offs.
The incident occurred during the Eliminator, where Nitish Rana, who was playing for the West Delhi Lions, was seen exchanging a few words with the Superstarz's bowler Rathi. Rana even mimicked Rathi's signature celebration after hitting him for a six.
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"It’s not about who’s right or wrong...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," said Nitish during a media interaction.
Annoyed by Rana's mimic, Rathi also exchanged a few remarks, which led to a full-blown altercation. The matter escalated so much so that the duo charged at each other and had to be separated by the on-field umpires and the other players.
"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, added Rana as he mentioned that he had no control over ending the fight.
Rana was in red-hot form and finished with a terrific knock of 134 off just 55 balls. Chasing 202, he played at a strike rate of 243 and took his side over the line with 17 balls to spare.