More

    3 reasons why DC should include Nitish Rana in their playing XI for IPL 2026 clash vs SRH

    Gossip
    Runfyers
    0

    SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to face off in Match 31 of IPL 2026 on Tuesday, April 21 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The hosts are currently fourth on the table with six points, having won three of their six matches so far.

    Meanwhile, the Capitals sit fifth with three wins from five games. While DC’s lineup has largely been settled, there has been an issue at the No. 3 spot, with three different batters tried in that position across the first five matches.

    In the opening three games of the tournament, Nitish Rana was slotted in at No. 3 but failed to make an impact, scoring just 20 runs. Subsequently, he has found himself on the bench in the last two matches. Amid the uncertainty at No. 3, here are three reasons why DC should consider bringing Rana back for their clash against SRH.

    #1 Strong record against SRH in the IPL

    Nitish Rana has been part of the IPL since 2016 and has enjoyed a solid record against SunRisers Hyderabad. Against the franchise, the southpaw has featured in 17 matches, scoring 557 runs at an average of 32.76 and a strike rate of 136.86, including four fifties, his second-most against any team in the IPL, with a highest score of 80.

    Given the 32-year-old’s strong numbers against DC’s upcoming opponents and his prior experience at No. 3, where he has scored 922 runs in 41 innings at a strike rate of 137.61, including seven fifties with a top score of 81, he remains a viable option for the role.

    #2 Presence of two left-arm spinners in the SRH attack

    Another reason why DC should consider bringing in Nitish Rana is the presence of left-arm spinners in SunRisers Hyderabad’s attack. Harsh Dubey and Shivang Kumar both have picked up five wickets in as many matches.

    With Delhi already having two right-handed openers in the form of KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, it becomes important to include a left-hander at No. 3 who can counter these left-arm spinners, something Rana is capable of.

    Against left-arm spin in the IPL, Rana boasts an impressive record, having scored 364 runs in 40 innings at an average of 60.7 and a strike rate of 161.8, including 20 sixes. His presence in the middle order would also force the opposition captain to think carefully about when to deploy their spinners.

    #3 Enough of the chopping and changing

    In their last two matches, Delhi Capitals have tried Sameer Rizvi (6 off 9) and Karun Nair (5 off 5) at No. 3, but neither has delivered. In this situation, DC need to move away from constant changes and instead back an experienced option like Nitish Rana with a consistent run in the playing XI.

    The southpaw brings valuable experience, having played 121 IPL matches and scoring 2,873 runs at an average of 27.36 and a strike rate of 136.03, including 20 fifties, with a highest score of 86. If the DC camp continues making frequent changes, it could create uncertainty and reduce player confidence, ultimately affecting team balance more than any individual’s poor form.