Nitish Rana Responds to Heated Exchange with Digvesh Rathi: “I Didn’t Start It”

Nitish Rana Opens Up on On-Field Clash with Digvesh Rathi During DPL 2025.

Nitish Rana has addressed the on-field altercation with Digvesh Rathi during the Delhi Premier League 2025 (DPL 2025). The incident occurred during the Eliminator match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, and a video of their heated face-off has gone viral. In the clip, Rana is seen exchanging words with Rathi and later mimicking Rathi’s signature celebration on his bat after hitting the wrist spinner for a six.

Rathi responded to Rana’s actions, leading to a tense verbal exchange. Speaking to the media afterward, Nitish clarified that Rathi initiated the confrontation.

“It’s not about who’s right or wrong. He came to win for his team, I came to win for mine. Respecting the game is my responsibility, and it’s his as well. He started it, and I won’t go into details because that wouldn’t be fair. But if someone provokes me, I respond—that’s how I’ve always played,” Rana said.

He added that ending the spat was not in his control. “The one who starts it decides how it ends. I’ve been in many situations like this, but I’ve never initiated anything. If someone comes at me first, I respond, and that’s how I was brought up. I stand up for myself, and I’ll continue to do so,” he explained.

On the field, Rana remained in excellent form. In Qualifier 2 of the DPL 2025, he scored a quick-fire 45* off 26 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Earlier, he had played a sensational 134* off 55 balls, helping West Delhi Lions chase 202 in 17.1 overs and secure a seven-wicket victory.

With Rana’s contributions, West Delhi Lions have advanced to the DPL 2025 final, where they will face Central Delhi Kings on August 31 at Arun Jaitley Stadium.