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The Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 Eliminator witnessed a fiery confrontation that overshadowed the cricketing spectacle, as West Delhi Lions’ star batter Nitish Rana and South Delhi Superstarz’s bowler Digvesh Rathi engaged in a heated on-field altercation. What should have been a celebration of Rana’s match-winning century turned into a storm of controversy over player discipline and sportsmanship.
Tempers flare as Nitish Rana and Digvesh Rathi lose control
The flashpoint erupted in the second innings, when Rana’s blistering batting left Rathi visibly frustrated. After conceding a series of sixes, the bowler deliberately slowed down his delivery stride, sparking a tit-for-tat reaction from Rana, who stepped away at the crease. The tension peaked when Rana struck a reverse-sweep for six and followed it with a provocative’“notebook celebration.’
The gesture infuriated Rathi, who reportedly unleashed a volley of abuse, prompting Rana to charge towards him. Umpires and teammates had to intervene quickly to prevent the incident from escalating into physical blows. What began as a battle of skills soon turned into an ugly display of temper under the high-stakes pressure of the Eliminator.
Here’s the video:
It’s all happening here! 🔥🏏
Nitish Rana | Digvesh Singh Rathi | West Delhi Lions | South Delhi Superstarz | #DPL #DPL2025 #AdaniDPL2025 #Delhi pic.twitter.com/OfDZQGhOlr
— Delhi Premier League T20 (@DelhiPLT20) August 29, 2025
The league’s committee wasted no time in taking disciplinary action. Digvesh Rathi was fined 80% of his match fee under Article 2.2 of the DPL code of conduct, a Level 2 offence covering behaviour “contrary to the spirit of the game.” Nitish Rana, too, faced punishment – losing 50% of his match fee under Article 2.6 for making “obscene or offensive gestures.”
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
Several other players were also fined for abusive language and provocative gestures during the chaotic game, underlining DPL’s tough stance on upholding professionalism and respect on the field.
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Rana’s century overshadowed by controversy
Ironically, the night was supposed to belong to Nitish Rana, who played one of the greatest knocks in DPL history. His unbeaten 134 off 55 balls, packed with 15 sixes and 8 fours, sealed a remarkable victory for the West Delhi Lions and earned him the Player of the Match award. Yet, his brilliance with the bat was overshadowed by the ugly clash with Rathi.
For Rathi, the game was doubly bitter. Not only did he face disciplinary sanctions, but his bowling figures – 39 runs conceded in just two overs – highlighted a forgettable performance on the field.
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