Nitish Rana vs Digvesh Rathi Clash: Heated Exchange, Fines, and a Match-Winning Century

Nitish Rana vs Digvesh Rathi Clash: Delhi cricket witnessed a fiery encounter when West Delhi Lions faced off against South Delhi Superstarz, a match that will be remembered as much for the on-field drama as for the cricket.

At the heart of it all were Nitish Rana and Digvesh Rathi, two players known for their aggressive styles. While Rana let his bat do the talking with a century that carried the Lions into Qualifier 2, Rathi once again found himself in trouble for his antics.

An intense moment in the middle! 🏏

Nitish Rana | Digvesh Singh Rathi | West Delhi Lions | South Delhi Superstarz | #DPL #DPL2025 #AdaniDPL2025 #Delhi pic.twitter.com/dX5E5wFDqd
— Delhi Premier League T20 (@DelhiPLT20) August 29, 2025

Rana vs Rathi sparks fly in Delhi clash

The flashpoint came when Rathi, bowling to Rana, pulled out of his delivery stride without releasing the ball. Rana mock-swept the air, drawing laughter from commentators. When Rathi tried again, Rana backed away, and the two exchanged words.

What followed was pure drama. Rathi finally bowled, only for Rana to reverse-sweep him for a massive six over deep point. Rana celebrated with a kiss to his bat, which seemed to trigger further confrontation. Moments later, visuals showed Rana angrily walking towards Rathi, forcing umpire Gayathri Venugopalan and fielders to step in to separate the players.

Heavy fines handed out after heated exchange

The match referee did not take the incident lightly. Rathi, who has a history of disciplinary issues (including IPL 2025 fines), was slapped with an 80% fine of his match fee for actions deemed “contrary to the spirit of the game.”

Rana was fined 50% of his match fee for “using a gesture that is obscene, offensive, or insulting.”

Other players were also penalized:

Krish Yadav – entire match fee for using obscenity and pointing his bat at an opponent
Sumit Mathur – 50% fine for provoking language and gestures
Aman Bharti – 30% fine for use of audible obscenity

Rana has the last laugh

Despite the controversy, it was Rana who had the final word. His brilliant century powered West Delhi Lions to victory, knocking South Delhi Superstarz out of the tournament and booking a spot in Qualifier 2.