IPL 10, First 2 weeks: 5 Players who can force their way in to the national team

Nitish Rana

If Manish Pandey has registered a position in the race of orange cap this season, Nitish Rana from Mumbai too is not left behind. He too is no less than Pandey in his heroics as he is known to have saved his side time again with his sensible strokeplay. Where Hardik Pandya, his teammate is known to play audacious shots Rana comes down the lower middle order to build a fairytale innings well sculpted.

A first-class cricketer who plays for Delhi in domestic cricket is known to have been backed by Gambhir. An aggressive left-handed batsman who bowls part-time off-spin, Nitish Rana was one of the shining lights for Delhi in an otherwise dark 2015-16 season. He had stuck highest runs 225 in the tournament in Delhi’s run to Syed Mushtaq Ali semis. He had grabbed his IPL opportunity well this time, being consistent and classy with his shots.

Mumbai needed 92 runs off 64 balls against KKR, and had just lost their most consistent performer in the tournament, Nitish Rana came to rescue. “A fearless cricketer who likes to take on the bowlers right away.” That’s how Rohit described Rana after the Delhi youngster had played yet another stellar role for Mumbai this season. He has two match-winning fifties attached to his name at Wankhede. Mumbai haven’t lost when Rana has got past 40 this season and all three of Rana’s IPL fifties have come at No. 3.