IPL 2017: 5 things to know about Mumbai Indians’ new star Nitish Rana
In what was the maiden thriller of the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Ambani-owned Mumbai Indians scripted a splendid comeback to steal a four-wicket win against the SRK co-owned Kolkata Knight Riders at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede stadium.
After the Rising Pune Supergiant got the better of MI in their opening game, the hosts bounced back to record their first points this season. While the Pandya brothers - Hardik (11-ball 29) and Krunal (3-24) – were instrumental in the thrilling win, it eventually took a Delhi boy to seal the deal for Mumbai.
Nitish Rana, the Delhi boy, slammed a superb 29-ball 50 at a strike-rate of over 170. The 23-year-old was sent ahead of Rohit Sharma and thrashed the KKR bowlers for five fours and three sixes.
Here are 5 things to know about MI paltan’s newfound hero
#1 Highest run-getter for Delhi in 2015-16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
An aggressive southpaw who bowls part-time off-spin, the 23-year-old was one of the positives for Delhi in an otherwise poor 2015-16 domestic season that was troubled by too many off-field controversies. Rana struck 299 runs and 21 sixes in Delhi's journey to the semi-final of the 2015-16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (most by any batsman in the history of the tournament -most by any batsman in the history of the tournament). Out of his total tally of 21 sixes, eight were seen in his innings of 97 from 40 balls against Andhra.
Gautam Gambhir, who was the then Delhi captain (Rishabh Pant now captains Delhi) was highly impressed with the talented Rana and kept backing the youngster in all other domestic leagues.