IPL rumor mill is after overdrive Nitish ranaIs currently contracted Rajasthan Royals (RR)A donation was seen Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Delhi Premier League (DPL) ahead team cap from 2025. The Wizing has sent social media and cricket forums into a tizzy, fans and analysts have dissected every detail and estimated that a high-profile business may soon return to Rana in his former franchise for the IPL 2026 season.
Nitish Rana’s incident in recent years
Rana, who created his IPL heritage for seven sessions at KKR’s Midfield – included a term as captain in 2023 – was released by the franchise before the 2025 season. Rajasthan Royals acquired him for of 4.25 crores amid important expectations. However, his time in RR proved to be very short. Divided to various batting positions, and interrupted by injury, Rana scored 217 runs out of 11 matches, remembering the final three matches of the campaign in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 161.94.
| IPL season | Team | Matchbox | Run | average | Strike rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | RR | 11 | 217 | 21.70 | 161.94 |
| 2024 | KKR | 2 | 42 | 21.00 | 123.52 |
| 2023 | KKR | 14 | 413 | 31.76 | 140.95 |
His permanent popularity with the recent KKR fan base combined with viral cap photos has made its future a warm subject as IPL 2026 trading window approach.
Also read: IPL 2026 Player Trade Window: Major date, rules and everything you need to know
Rana ‘Bleed Purple’ in training session
Rana’s hat during choice DPL The training session with West Delhi Lions immediately speculated. For many, it indicated a permanent loyalty for ‘Purple and Gold’ of KKR even after transfer to RR. 31 -year -old shared training clips on social media, and fans were in a hurry to explain his hat as a sign in a possible reunion with KKR. Neither the player nor the franchise has made an official statement while addressing any trade plan so far.
Fans are prevalent with comments and social chatty phrases “Once a knight, always a knight,” Rana with a major contribution to the seven-season tenure and the successes of KKR since 2018. The scene has revived the debate about the player’s loyalty and the complex business of IPL trades.
Will KKR-Rana be reunited?
Although speculation is intense, many analysts take care that the IPL trade rules and deadlines make such a return stories difficult. Rana was prevented from immediately switching back to KKR due to BCCI rules after his release. However, with the opening of IPL 2026 trade window, a deal is no longer out of question. If RR decides to issue or trade to Rana, he can follow the franchise auction including KKR and possibly Gujarat Titans (GT).
Also read: KKR Scouts leaves big signs on Sanju Samson
