'I wasn't feeling well': Nitish Rana reveals Rahul Dravid's call before match-winning knock against CSK

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Mar 31, 2025, 18:33 IST

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Rajasthan Royals' Nitish Rana delivered a crucial 81-run knock against Chennai Super Kings despite being unwell, inspired by a motivational call from coach Rahul Dravid. Rana, given the responsibility to bat at number three, helped RR secure their first win of the IPL 2025 season. He emphasised the importance of handling pressure and executing game plans for successful performances.

'I wasn't feeling well': Nitish Rana reveals Rahul Dravid's call before match-winning knock against CSK

Nitish Rana and Rahul Dravid

NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals' batter Nitish Rana played a game-changing knock against Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday. His 36-ball 81 propelled RR to a formidable total, which they successfully defended to register their first win of the IPL 2025 season.
Following the match, Rana disclosed that he had been unwell and had missed practice. However, a phone call from Rajasthan Royals' head coach Rahul Dravid provided him with the motivation he needed, especially as he was informed that he would be batting at number three.
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"Yesterday, Rahul sir called me, and I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't go for practice. He called me to tell me that I will be batting at number 3. And I am always ready for these challenges. I enjoy the feeling when someone banks on me and shows confidence, and I like taking responsibility," Rana revealed in a video posted by Rajasthan Royals on their official social media handle.

Despite struggling in his first two games, Rana was determined to turn things around. He emphasised that high-pressure situations are part of the IPL, and he was eager to contribute to RR's success.
"High pressure is there in all 14 games since this is the number one league in the world. And as a batsman, as a player, that pressure is always there whether you are coming after a win or a loss. Those two points were very important. We should've had those points from the very start, but that's okay. There were a lot of positives from the last two games, and we learnt a lot from those games," he stated.

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Rana also explained how he visualised his approach for the game after Dravid's call, helping him execute his match-winning performance.
"So when he [Dravid] said that, I spoke to myself about the kind of shots I can play on this wicket that would help my team. When it's your time to make runs, you'll make runs. I was trying in the first two games, but the truth is that when you come with your game plan, it gives you the edge," he added.

Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.

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