IPL 2025: Why is Nitish Rana not playing in KKR vs RR Match 53?

Nitish Rana will miss the clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata today. KKR are currently placed seventh on the points table with four victories, while RR have already been eliminated from the tournament and are sitting in eighth position.

Toss Update

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bat first by pointing at a dry pitch that might slow down in the second innings. RR skipper Riyan Parag emphasized the need to bring more energy and deliver a collective team performance.

Nitish Rana out, Kunal Singh comes in; Moeen Ali comes into the XI for KKR

The left-handed batter Nitish Rana has been ruled out due to a niggle and the wicketkeeper-batter Kunal Singh Rathore will fill his shoes in the playing XI. Wanindu Hasaranga and Yudhvir Singh Charak also come into the XI. For KKR, Moeen Ali and Ramandeep Singh came into the XI.

What did the captains say?

Ajinkya Rahane, Kolkata Knight Riders

We are going to bat first, looks a little dry. Not sure if it slows down in the second innings. We want to put a total on the board and defend it. Need to keep it simple. It’s all about taking one game at a time. Everyone’s contribution was good in the last game. Need to assess the conditions and adapt to it quickly. I am working really hard on my game, playing domestic cricket has helped me a lot. Trying to enjoy my game. Moeen and Ramandeep are back in the side.

Riyan Parag, Rajasthan Royals

I was happy that I lost the toss, wasn’t sure. It’s very challenging, you got to be profession on the field. A lot of work goes into it. Need to play for our pride. Need to bring more energy into the field. We are hoping to put a collective effort. Three changes in our team. Nitish Rana has a niggle, he goes out. Hasaranga comes back for Kumar Kartikeya. Kunal Rathore and Yudhvir are in.

Playing XI

Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Moeen Ali, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora

Impact Subs: Manish Pandey, Harshit Rana, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell, Luvnith Sisodia

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag(c), Kunal Singh Rathore, Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Akash Madhwal

Impact Subs: Kumar Kartikeya, Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma