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Rahul Dravid's phone conversation energized Nitish Rana, who was feeling under the weather the day before he scored 81 off 36: "When he said..."

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Nitish Rana’s blistering 81* off just 36 balls in a recent domestic T20 match left fans and critics in awe, especially given that he was unwell just a day before the game. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star revealed that a motivational phone call from Indian head coach Rahul Dravid played a crucial role in lifting his spirits and pushing him to deliver a match-winning performance.  

Battling Illness Before the Big Knock
 
Rana, known for his aggressive batting in the IPL, was struggling with fever and fatigue ahead of the game. Many doubted whether he would even take the field, let alone play a match-defining innings. However, the left-handed batter pushed through, later crediting Dravid’s words of encouragement as the turning point.  

"I wasn’t feeling well at all, and there were thoughts of skipping the match," Rana admitted in a post-match interview. "But then I got a call from Rahul sir, and everything changed." 

Rahul Dravid’s Inspiring Words
  
Dravid, who has been a mentor to countless cricketers, reached out to Rana the night before the game. Known for his calm yet impactful communication, Dravid didn’t give a lengthy lecture—instead, he delivered a simple but powerful message.  

"He just told me, ‘You’ve worked so hard to reach here. One bad day doesn’t define you. Go out there and play like you own the stage,’" Rana recalled. That conversation gave me a sudden burst of energy. When someone like Rahul Dravid believes in you, you don’t want to let him down."

The words struck a chord with Rana, who walked into the match with renewed determination. Despite his physical discomfort, he unleashed a brutal assault on the bowlers, smashing nine fours and five sixes in his unbeaten 81. His knock not only sealed the game but also served as a reminder of his explosive potential.  

A Turning Point in Rana’s Career?

Rana has always been a talented batter but has faced inconsistency, especially in the Indian Premier League. While he has had flashes of brilliance (like his 80 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023), he has also struggled with form at times. This innings, however, came at a crucial juncture—just before the IPL 2024 season, where he will be key for KKR.  

Dravid’s intervention highlights the importance of mentorship in cricket. The Indian coach has often gone out of his way to guide players, especially those on the fringes of national selection. For Rana, this could be the confidence booster he needed to reclaim his spot among India’s most dangerous middle-order batters.  

What’s Next for Nitish Rana?

With the IPL around the corner, Rana’s fiery form is a promising sign for KKR. If he can carry this momentum into the tournament, he could be a game-changer for his franchise—and perhaps even force his way back into national contention.  

As for Dravid’s role? This incident proves yet again why he is revered not just as a coach but as a motivator who brings out the best in his players. Sometimes, all it takes is a few words from the right person to turn self-doubt into a match-winning performance.  

For Nitish Rana, that call from "The Wall" might just have been the push he needed to scale new heights.

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