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Why Has Riyan Parag Dropped Nitish Rana For KKR vs RR IPL 2025 Match?

Abhinav Tyagi

Nitish Rana - (Source: @AP)Nitish Rana - (Source: @AP)

On Sunday, May 4, Kolkata Knight Riders locked horns against Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens. KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane shrugged off injury concerns and walked for the toss despite a heavy bandaged right hand. Talking about the coin flip, the hosts won the toss and opted to bat first. 

Both teams opted for changes, but the most noticeable change was the exclusion of Nitish Rana. Notably, the left hand batter, who is one of the most successful batters for the Royals this season, will miss his first match of the season. The fans are confused whether Rana misses out because of an injury or a tactical decision and this article will look at the reason behind Nitish's exclusion from the team.

Why Has Nitish Rana Been Dropped From RR vs KKR Match?

Notably, Riyan Parag, during the toss, revealed that Rana is struggling with a slight niggle and it is the reason behind his exclusion from the playing XI. Nitish also appeared to have taken a knock in his leg when RR last faced Mumbai Indians at home.

Talking about Rana's numbers for IPL 2025, the southpaw has amassed 217 runs in 11 innings, averaging 21.70. Further, he has amassed 2 fifty-plus score in this season. Notably, debutant Kunal Singh Rathore has replaced Rana for the ongoing match. 

Who Is Kunal Singh Rathore, Who Has Replaced Nitish Rana?

The 22-year-old cricketer, who hails from Kota, Rajasthan, was bought by the Royals at his base price of 30 lakhs at the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Rathore's inclusion has added another wicket-keeping option in RR camp alongside Dhruv Jurel as Sanju Samson continues to be injured.