Young fast bowler Harshit Rana recently opened up about a humorous and memorable interaction he shared with senior India batter Virat Kohli during his early days with the national team.
Rana, who has quickly made a name for himself with impressive performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, recalled the incident during a candid chat with Men’s XP. The story highlights Kohli’s playful side and how quickly he makes younger players feel comfortable in the dressing room.
Rana revealed that when he first met Kohli’s wife, actor Anushka Sharma, he instinctively addressed her respectfully as “Ma’am.” However, Kohli immediately stepped in and corrected him in a light-hearted manner. Recalling the moment, Rana said, “He told me, ‘Don’t call her ma’am, call her bhabhi.’” The pacer admitted that he was taken by surprise but soon realized that Kohli was simply having fun and easing the tension for a newcomer.
“Don’t Call Her Ma’am, Call Her Bhabhi”
The moment became even more amusing as Kohli added his trademark humor to the situation. Rana shared that Kohli jokingly pointed out how the youngster had no hesitation celebrating wildly with champagne after a match, yet was being overly formal while speaking to Anushka. “He said that if you can throw champagne on me outside, then you can’t call her ma’am,” Rana recalled with a laugh.
The exchange instantly broke the ice, making Rana feel more at ease around one of Indian cricket’s biggest stars. According to the young pacer, this small incident perfectly reflected Kohli’s nature — intense on the field but warm, friendly, and approachable off it. Such interactions, Rana said, help youngsters settle into the team environment much faster.
Changing Perceptions About Senior Players
Rana also spoke about how meeting Kohli in person completely changed his preconceived notions. Like many young cricketers, he believed that Kohli — and even Hardik Pandya — were extremely aggressive personalities. However, spending time with them told a very different story. “I used to think they were very aggressive, but when I met them, I realized they are very funny,” Rana admitted.
He emphasized that senior players go out of their way to support and encourage newcomers, often using humor to remove nervousness. The pacer concluded by saying that experiences like these not only build confidence but also show how strong the bond within the Indian team truly is — a mix of professionalism, respect, and genuine camaraderie.
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