During a recent IPL 2024 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, fast bowler Harshit Rana from KKR made headlines with a cheeky send-off to SRH batter Mayank Agarwal after dismissing him. Agarwal, who seemed to be in fine form, attempted to pull a bouncer from Rana but ended up handing a catch to a fielder at deep backward square leg.
Delighted with claiming his first wicket of the season, Rana celebrated by blowing a flying kiss towards Agarwal. However, Rana’s jubilant act attracted repercussions as he was fined a significant amount.
The IPL release stated, “Kolkata Knight Riders bowler Harshit Rana has been fined a total of 60 percent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 23.”
Rana faced two Level 1 offences under Article 2.5 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, resulting in fines of 10 percent and 50 percent of his match fees respectively. He accepted the Match Referee’s decision, which is considered final and binding for Level 1 breaches.
In an unexpected turn of events, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma recreated Rana’s gesture with Mayank Agarwal before their match, stirring up a conversation.
Watch The Video Here:
🔊Rohit Sharma mimicks Harshit Rana's celebration, irritates Mayank at last🫶😂pic.twitter.com/MtGhKuJ3Uq
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) March 27, 2024
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar voiced his disapproval of Rana’s actions during commentary, emphasizing the need for sportsmanship.
Gavaskar remarked, “He should not have done that. Did the batsman do anything to him when he was hitting him for sixes? Cricket can be played without these antics. It’s the age of television. I understand that. Celebrate with your teammates but no need for such antics for the opposition.”
Rana’s celebration not only garnered attention for its cheekiness but also sparked a debate on sportsmanship and appropriate conduct on the field. While celebrations are a part of the game, they should not cross the line into disrespectful behaviour towards opponents. The incident serves as a reminder for players to maintain decorum and respect the spirit of the game, even in moments of triumph.
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