IPL 2026: Nitish Rana traded to Delhi Capitals
What's the story
In a major development ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) middle-order batter Nitish Rana has been traded to Delhi Capitals (DC). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the trade on November 15. Rana will now represent his home state franchise DC. Last season, the left-handed batter played 10 matches for RR, scoring 217 runs at an average of 21.70 and an impressive strike rate of 161.94.
Career highlights
Rana's IPL journey and captaincy
Rana has played a total of 118 league matches in his IPL career, scoring 2,853 runs at 27.97 (50s: 20). He has previously represented teams like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before joining RR. Notably, he even captained KKR in 2023 when Shreyas Iyer was injured. The IPL confirmed the trade on its official website, stating that "left-handed batter Nitish Rana will now represent Delhi Capitals (DC) following a trade from Rajasthan Royals (RR)."
Team dynamics
Rajasthan Royals's strategy behind trading Rana
The decision to let go of Rana could be a strategic move by RR to strengthen their middle order. Reports suggest that the management felt Rana's performances lacked the consistency needed to anchor innings during crucial phases of the tournament. The franchise already has a number of left-handed batters in Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran.
Trade details
Donovan Ferreira's return to Rajasthan Royals
Along with Rana's trade, IPL also confirmed that all-rounder Donovan Ferreira will be returning to RR after a successful trade from DC. His fee has been revised from ₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore as per the transfer agreement. Ferreira only played one match for Delhi Capitals in the last season, scoring just one run and not bowling at all in his lone outing.