Nitish Rana, with a base price of INR 1.5 crore, became the center of an intense bidding war between three prominent franchises—Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite speculations that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might attempt to bring Rana back as a potential captain, it was RR that eventually emerged victorious, securing the experienced batter for INR 4.20 crore.

Rana has been a dependable middle-order player for KKR over the years, known for his ability to stabilize innings and provide aggressive finishes. His consistent performances made him a sought-after player in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Although KKR’s decision not to bid came as a surprise, Rajasthan Royals strategically added Rana to their lineup to bolster their batting depth.

With RR building a strong squad for the upcoming season, Rana’s addition will provide stability and flexibility to their middle order. His experience and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset for the Royals as they aim for a successful IPL 2025 campaign.