This regulation, rolled out ahead of the season, ensures teams aren’t handicapped by unforeseen injuries. It debuted in the Duleep Trophy with Saurabh Navale replacing Harvik Desai, and saw its first Ranji application when Bengal called up Kazi Junaid Saifi for Sudip Chatterjee in a match against Gujarat last October.

Shivam Sharma hit the ground running, snaring two wickets in 18.5 overs at a cost of 66 runs. Among his victims was Jharkhand’s star keeper-batter Kumar Kushagra, who had notched up a century earlier.

The blow for Veer is particularly stinging. Fresh off a blockbuster IPL deal with CSK worth 14.2 crores, he’s likely sidelined for at least three weeks, casting a shadow over his preparations for IPL 2026 starting March 26.

Jharkhand dominated with a first-innings declaration at 561/6, powered by Shandeep Singh’s 139 and Kushagra’s 102. UP, in response, ended day two at 32/3. With knockout spots on the line, every session counts in this high-stakes showdown.

UPCA’s CEO, Ankit Chatterjee, confirmed the development, stating that Rana had requested the NOC citing family reasons. While Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma acknowledged Rana’s intention to return, he clarified that official documentation was still pending.

Rana’s domestic career began with Delhi, where he progressed through the age-group levels. His move to Uttar Pradesh in 2023, where he also served as captain, proved unsuccessful. During the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, he played only four matches, scoring 150 runs with a single half-century. His performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was also subpar, and he was dropped from the Vijay Hazare Trophy due to poor form. Rana now hopes a return to Delhi will revitalize his career.