Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Nitish Rana found a new team as Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured him for ₹4.20 crore during the IPL 2025 Auction at the Abadi Al Johar Arena on Monday.
Rana, who entered the capped all-rounders set with a base price of ₹1.50 crore, triggered an intense bidding war among Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Rajasthan Royals. His inclusion bolsters RR’s batting lineup, as the 31-year-old brings experience and a proven ability to perform under pressure.
Fierce Bidding War for Nitish Rana
CSK opened the bidding for Rana, with RR joining at ₹1.60 crore. The contest escalated as RCB entered the race, driving the price beyond ₹3 crore. After RCB’s ₹4 crore bid, RR sealed the deal with a decisive ₹4.20 crore offer.
Since his IPL debut in 2016, Rana has scored 2,636 runs in 107 matches at an average of 28.34. His skill in handling spinners and anchoring innings makes him a critical addition to RR. Previously, he was a key player for KKR, where he occasionally led the team before being released ahead of the auction.
Other Highlights from IPL 2025 Auction
- Washington Sundar joined Gujarat Titans for ₹3.2 crore, enhancing their all-round options.
- Punjab Kings acquired Marco Jansen for ₹7 crore, strengthening their pace department.
- Sam Curran returned to Chennai Super Kings for ₹2.40 crore, reuniting with his former team.
Some players, however, went unsold. Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell found no takers. In the wicketkeeper category, Punjab Kings signed Australia’s Jos Inglis for ₹2.60 crore, while Mumbai Indians acquired South African Ryan Rickleton for ₹1 crore. Others like Shai Hope, KS Bharat, and Alex Carey remained unsold.
Nitish Rana’s move to RR highlights his value as a dependable all-rounder in IPL 2025.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Auction: Rishabh Pant Sets Record With Rs 27 Crore Bid By Lucknow Super Giants
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