Nitish Rana sends a strong message to KKR for retention: 'Consistent runs every year but no calls'

Left-handed batter Nitish Rana has expressed his desire to continue playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming season of IPL. Rana, who has been a reliable performer in the league with 2636 runs in 107 matches and 18 half-centuries, has been a key player for KKR since he joined them in 2018. Not only has he been consistent on the field, but he also stepped up as a leader when he captained the team in the absence of Shreyas Iyer in the 2023 edition. With the BCCI announcing the rules for player retention ahead of the mega auction, Rana has made it clear that his loyalty lies with the three-time champions.

However, the defending IPL champions now have the tricky task of picking and choosing players for retention ahead of the auction. With a maximum of 6 players allowed for retention and RTM, Rana might fall behind in the pecking order as KKR possesses several match-winners in the squad.

Ahead of the players' retention announcement, Rana has made it clear that he wants to play for KKR next season, although the franchise has not contacted him yet regarding their plans.

"I have been serving KKR for the past seven years," Rana told the Times of India. "It's not in my hands if I will be retained; it's up to KKR management to decide. I haven't received any calls yet. I have scored runs for KKR every year, and if they consider me an asset, they will retain me. I want to play for KKR," Rana added.

The left-handed batter shifted his base from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh last year, and now he is raring to help his team and also ready to take over the captaincy responsibilities in case the team needs him.

"I haven't discussed this (on availabilities) with the coach or selectors yet. However, players like Rinku (Singh), Yash Dayal, and Dhruv Jurel won't be available for initial matches, so we'll see some new faces replacing those playing for the country. I am ready to take control of the team again. If the association feels I'm capable, I can take on the captaincy," he said in the same interaction.