IPL 2026: Nitish Rana’s Move to DC Confirmed, Donovan Ferreira Returns to RR

Nitish Rana officially leaves for DC, and Donovan Ferreira rejoins RR after both parties agreed on a revised salary for the South African star.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 trade window has taken another major turn as the BCCI has confirmed a smart swap deal between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). The exchange involves a direct player trade, with veteran Indian batsman Nitish Rana returning to his home team, DC, after his stint with the Royals.

In return, RR secured talented South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira, who recently led South Africa during their tour of Pakistan. The move strengthens DC’s middle-order stability, while RR gets a reliable finisher, helping both teams improve their team structure before the retention deadline.

Nitish Rana officially leaves for DC, and Donovan Ferreira rejoins RR after both parties agreed on a revised salary for the South African star. The trade was confirmed on Saturday, November 15, becoming one of the major confirmed deals as the player-trading window nears its close on December 8.

Nitish Rana Traded to Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026

The IPL has confirmed that Nitish Rana has officially joined Delhi Capitals from Rajasthan Royals, retaining his current price of ₹4.2 crore. Nitish Rana had earlier led Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023 when Shreyas Iyer missed the season due to injury.

“Left-handed batsman Nitish Rana will now play for Delhi Capitals (DC) following a trade agreement with Rajasthan Royals (RR). He will remain on his existing contract worth INR 4.2 crore acquired by RR during the TATA IPL 2025 auction.”

Donovan Ferreira Traded to Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026

The IPL has officially announced that Donovan Ferreira will once again represent Rajasthan Royals after completing a trade move from Delhi Capitals. His salary has been increased from ₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore.

“All-rounder Donovan Ferreira is set to rejoin his first IPL team, Rajasthan Royals (RR), after inking a trade agreement with Delhi Capitals (DC). As per the transfer terms, his contract amount has been increased from INR 75 lakh to INR 1 crore,” the statement said.

Ferreira played just one match for Delhi Capitals during the recent season. The South African cricketer scored just 1 run and did not get a chance to bowl in that match. So far, he has played 3 IPL matches, scoring 9 runs at an average of 3 and a strike rate of 64.29. He also recently led the Proteas on their tour of Pakistan.

Continue Reading: IPL 2026 Auction: 10 Released Players Who Could Get Big Bids

Impact On IPL 2026 Dynamics

Both teams are entering the new season with renewed confidence and sharp game plans. Delhi Capitals are building a more explosive, well-rounded team that is ready to dominate high-scoring competitions, while Rajasthan Royals are building a more explosive, well-rounded team that is ready to dominate high-scoring competitions.

Trade-window excitement is changing the IPL picture, with this swap being one of many big changes before the November 15 deadline. As franchises lock in their retention calls until the December 8 cutoff, expect more bold decisions with a focus on building the best possible teams for next year’s competition.

For Delhi fans, seeing Nitish Rana wearing the DC jersey at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will add an emotional edge to the season ahead. At the same time, Rajasthan will look to the determined Donovan Ferreira to score quick runs in the middle overs – a feat that could accelerate the Royals’ comeback.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why did Delhi Capitals trade for Nitish Rana?

Delhi Capitals brought in a reliable Indian batsman in the form of Nitish Rana to strengthen their middle order. Rana can adapt to different batting positions and understands Delhi pitches well, which increases his value. His IPL title-winning journey with Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders also adds experienced leadership to the team.

Q2. What is Donovan Ferreira’s role in Rajasthan Royals?

Donovan Ferreira joins Rajasthan Royals as a hard-hitting finisher and useful all-rounder. His T20 strike rate is above 160 and he can provide useful off-spin, powerful late-order hitting and help the team with additional bowling support when needed.

Q3. How much did this trade cost both the franchises?

Delhi Capitals bought Nitish Rana for his current price of ₹4.2 crore, while Rajasthan Royals increased Donovan Ferreira’s salary from ₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore as part of a mutual trade between the two teams.

Q4. Has Nitish Rana played for Delhi before?

Although Nitish Rana plays domestic cricket for Delhi and recently led West Delhi Lions in the Delhi Premier League, this will be his first IPL season representing Delhi Capitals. Previously, he has played IPL for Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.

Q5. When will the IPL 2026 season start?

The dates for IPL 2026 are yet to be officially confirmed. The trading window will close on December 8, 2025, followed by a mini-auction, and the season is expected to begin in the early months of 2026.