Nitish Rana on heated exchange with Digvesh Rathi: I didn't start it

Nitish Rana has opened up on his on-field altercation with Digvesh Rathi during the Delhi Premier League 2025 (DPL 2025). The duo was seen at loggerheads during the Eliminator match of the tournament at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. A video of their heated face off has been going viral, where Nitish could be seen saying a few words to Rathi and later mimicking his signing celebration on his bat after hitting the wrist spinner for a six.

Annoyed by Nitish’s antics, Rathi also ended up exchanging some remarks, which didn’t go down well with the batter as he charged towards him angrily, leading to an intense verbal spat. In the aftermath of the incident, Nitish has revealed that it was Rathi, who began the verbal spat but refrained from revealing the details of what transpired in the middle.

“It’s not about who’s right or wrong, he came to win the match for his team, and I came to win for mine. But respecting the game of cricket is my responsibility, and it's his as well. 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. What happened yesterday was an example of that,” said Nitish during a media interaction.

Furthermore, Nitish mentioned that he had no control over ending the fight as it was initiated by Rathi.

"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. My parents taught me that if you’re not wrong, then you should stand up for yourself and that’s exactly what I do, and I’ll keep doing it in the future too,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nitish continued his rich form in Qualifier 2 of the DPL 2025, as he slammed a quick-fire 45* (26) with the help of four fours and two sixes. Earlier, he played a sensational innings of 134* (55), helping West Delhi Lions chase down 202 in 17.1 overs and win the match by seven wickets.

Courtesy of his performances, West Delhi have stormed its way into the final of the tournament, where they will take on Central Delhi Kings on August 31 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.