Former Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Nitish Rana became the centre of attention on the second day of the IPL 2025 auction as Rajasthan Royals secured him for Rs 4.20 crore. Rana's inclusion adds depth and experience to the Royals' batting lineup as they aim for a championship title. Despite fierce competition from CSK and RCB, RR emerged victoriously in the bidding war for the reliable middle-order batter. Other notable moments from the auction include Washington Sundar's move to Gujarat Titans and Sam Curran's return to Chennai Super Kings.
In the second day of the IPL mega auction, Punjab Kings grabbed South African pacer Marco Jansen for a whopping Rs seven crore, along with all-rounder Krunal Pandya for Rs 5.75 crore and batsman Nitish Rana for Rs 4.20 crore. Other notable players like Ajinkya Rahane, Kane Williamson, Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur did not receive any bids, highlighting the importance of strategic purchases in the competitive world of IPL auctions.
21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy was overwhelmed with emotions as he received his Test cap from captain Virat Kohli, fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing for India. Along with him, pacer Harshit Rana also made his debut and both players managed to stay calm and focused during the match despite the pressure. India's top scorer with 41 runs, Nitish credited his experience playing in the India A series for his performance in Australia. His partnership with Rishabh Pant was crucial in helping India move forward in the game.
Despite an impressive show from debutants Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy in the first Test against Australia, India's selection choices and batting failures have been called into question. Reddy's aggressive batting against proven off-spinner Nathan Lyon added some excitement to the otherwise lackluster Indian innings. However, it was Rana's disciplined bowling that showed promise for the team's future, even without the comfort of a lead. With familiar issues still plaguing the team, all eyes are on their next moves in the series.
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, two young cricketers from India, received their maiden Test caps in Perth, marking a significant moment in their careers. Nitish, known for his aggressive batting and impressive all-round performance, has already made a mark in the IPL and received a call-up for the national team. Harshit, recognized by Kolkata Knight Riders for his height and pace, has also impressed with his variations and all-round skills, making a successful domestic debut. As their journey continues, cricket fans eagerly look forward to the rise of these exciting young talents in Indian cricket.
The selection of Washington Sundar as the only spinner in India's playing XI for the Perth Test has sparked a debate among cricket enthusiasts. While some are surprised by the decision, with veteran spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja left out, others are highlighting Sundar's potential as a versatile player. The move also sees debutants Nitish Rana, Harshit Rana, and Australia's Nathan McSweeney taking the field for the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Commentary by prominent cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle adds to the discussion, as he praises Sundar for his selection over Ashwin.
In a disappointing start to the first Test between India and Australia, star opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck by Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc. The 22-year-old's dismissal was caught on camera and has since gone viral on the internet. India, without Rohit Sharma, are being led by pacer Jasprit Bumrah and have included two uncapped players, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, in the playing XI for the match.
In the first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India makes a strategic decision to bench Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in favor of Washington Sundar. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting, with Devdutt Padikkal making his Test debut at number three. The team will also hope for a return to form from Virat Kohli as they face a tough series against Australia.
As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia unfolds, the discussion shifts to a different kind of contest - the impact of Indian Prime Ministers on the country's economy. With the likes of Narendra Modi, Manmohan Singh, and Indira Gandhi at the forefront, this debate has been ongoing for decades. With newcomers Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy making their Test debuts, the question arises - which Indian PM has made the biggest impact on the economy? This analysis delves into the policies and actions of past Indian leaders and the impact on the country's economic growth.
In a highly anticipated match for a spot in World Test Championship final, India faces off against Australia with both teams facing their own set of challenges. India comes into the match without captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill while Australia will be missing all-rounder Cameron Green. Debutants Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana are set to don the Indian jersey, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja benched in favour of Washington Sundar. Follow live updates of the match below.