Pacer Harshit Rana from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced a ban during the IPL 2024 match against the Mumbai Indians. The reason? His animated sendoff to Abhishek Porel from the Delhi Capitals got him into trouble. What happened was after conceding a few runs Harshit couldnt resist a theatrical sendoff to Abhishek Porel upon dismissing him. That overthetop gesture earned him a onegame ban.
The bowler claimed that, despite feeling down, his talk with KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan lifted his spirits. He stated that Shah Rukh informed him that they would repeat the celebration if Kolkata won the title, which is precisely how things turned out.
Harshit Rana told the Indian Express:
“After I got banned for one match, I was very sad and then Shah Rukh sir came to me and said ‘Tu tension mat le ye waali celebration Trophy ke saath karenge (We will celebrate the IPL with a flying kiss). He promised me and made sure that we did that with the trophy and our team.”
Harshit Rana
When asked if he would reconsider conducting his festivities again, Harshit instantly said that he would not use them as a send-off. He did, however, explain that he will continue to express himself on the field since he feels it brings out the best in him.
I consider myself a proper all-rounder: Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana is not only a skilled bowler but also excels in wielding the long handle on the cricket field. During the interview he playfully brought up his impressive century in the Duleep Trophy. Moreover in a witty manner he attributed his inability to showcase his prowess in hitting sixes to the Impact Player rule.
On this, he said:
“Duleep Trophy mey century hai (I have a century in the Duleep Trophy). I consider myself a proper all-rounder. In this IPL because of the Impact Player rule, I never got the opportunity to bat. I was itching to smack a few sixes but our team was doing so well that I never got the chance to bat.”
Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana was on fire this season grabbing a sensational 19 wickets in just 13 games and playing a pivotal role in KKRs epic third IPL title victory.