Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders' young pacer Harshit Rana has been making headlines for his on-field antics, particularly his controversial flying-kiss send-off. However, Rana has made it clear that he would never direct such a gesture towards Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter.Rana's flying-kiss celebration, initially aimed at Mayank Agarwal during an IPL match, resulted in a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct, leading to financial penalties and a match suspension. Reflecting on the incident, Rana clarified that it was not premeditated and was not intended for a player of Kohli's stature."I didn't plan to do that (flying-kiss send-off) in the first match, nor in the second match. Then people started saying, 'Show us if you could do that in the RCB match,'" Rana explained.When asked about the possibility of performing such a celebration against Kohli, known for his aggressive demeanor on the field, Rana expressed utmost respect. "That's why I didn't provoke him. I have respect for him (Kohli), respect for all players, but I can't do that in front of him," Rana emphasized.Rana's disciplinary issues did not end with the flying-kiss incident. His exuberant antics on the field, though entertaining to some, crossed the line of acceptable conduct in professional cricket. The IPL disciplinary committee sanctioned Rana with a one-match suspension and fined him his entire match fee for his second breach of conduct during the season.This marked Rana as the first player in IPL 2024 to face such penalties. Despite the controversy, Rana, who racked up 25 wickets in 21 games for the IPL 2024 champions, remained a key figure for KKR, known for his pace and aggression, albeit now tempered with a lesson in the importance of respectful competition in cricket's premier tournament.

Kolkata Knight Riders' young paceman Harshit Rana has shared a heartwarming story involving franchise co-owner Shah Rukh Khan following KKR's victorious IPL 2024 campaign. Rana, who had a breakthrough season, played a pivotal role in KKR's third title victory, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches.However, Rana's season was not without controversy. He was handed a one-match ban for a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the IPL's Code of Conduct during a match against Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens. The young pacer made an animated gesture towards DC's Abhishek Porel after taking his wicket, marking his second penalty of the season. Earlier, Rana had been fined 60% of his match fees for giving a flying-kiss send-off to Sunrisers Hyderabad's batter Mayank Agarwal.Reflecting on his emotions after the ban, the 22-year-old disclosed a special interaction with Shah Rukh Khan. Feeling dejected, Rana received a pep talk from the Bollywood superstar, who made a heartfelt promise to lift his spirits."Oh Yes! 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' (Don't worry, we will celebrate this with the trophy). He promised me and made sure that we did that with the trophy and our team," Harshit told the Indian Express.True to his word, Shah Rukh Khan led the entire KKR team in a flying kiss celebration after they clinched the IPL trophy. This gesture not only fulfilled a promise but also united the team in a moment of shared joy and camaraderie.Rana's performance in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad was outstanding. He claimed two wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs, including a rare maiden over in the summit clash. His contributions were crucial in securing KKR's victory.After the final, KKR's left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc lauded the young pacer's efforts, highlighting his growth and confidence throughout the season."Harshit is learning what his skills are capable of throughout this IPL. He seems pretty confident in his abilities. He started his season with the second-best team in this season (SRH). The right-arm seamer has bowled some tough overs and also crucial last overs and has taken a good amount of wickets this season as well," Starc said.Rana's journey in the IPL has been a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite facing setbacks, he has shown resilience and a willingness to learn. His performances have not only helped KKR achieve success but have also earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents.

Harshit Rana, the 22-year-old fast bowler, has emerged as a standout performer in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Despite a controversial dismissal of Virat Kohli, Rana has maintained his composure and delivered impressive performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).Rana's journey to the IPL began as a nets bowler for the Gujarat Titans in 2022. His impressive performances caught the attention of KKR, who signed him as a replacement for the injured Rasikh Salam. Rana's debut was a memorable one, as he dismissed Mitchell Marsh with his second ball.Rana's ability to generate pace and adjust his length according to the pitch conditions has made him a valuable asset for KKR. He has consistently bowled at speeds of over 140 kph, while also demonstrating the skill to read the pitch and vary his deliveries.Rana credits the guidance of the KKR management, including Gautam Gambhir and Chandrakant Pandit, for his success. He believes that their faith in his abilities has given him the confidence to perform under pressure.Despite the challenges faced by bowlers in this IPL season, Rana has shown resilience and determination. In a recent match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he bowled a crucial six-run over and took a wicket to make the equation more difficult for RCB.In another match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rana was tasked with bowling the last over with SRH needing 13 runs off six balls. Despite conceding a six off the first ball, Rana remained composed and took two wickets to secure a four-run victory for KKR.Rana's performances have not gone unnoticed, and he has expressed his desire to represent India in the future. However, he remains focused on the present and aims to continue delivering strong performances for KKR.

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) fast bowler Harshit Rana has taken a humorous jab at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following his team's victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.Rana, who was previously fined and suspended for his on-field celebrations, teased his infamous 'flying kiss' celebration but refrained from completing it. This gesture was a subtle dig at the BCCI's strict Code of Conduct, which had penalized him for similar actions in the past."Don't talk to the BCCI," Rana quipped in a video that has gone viral on social media.The incident occurred after KKR's charter flight from Lucknow to Kolkata was diverted to Guwahati due to inclement weather. In the video, Rana is seen discussing the team's remaining fixtures with head coach Chandrakant Pandit.Rana jokingly suggested that since they were already in Guwahati, they should play their next match against Rajasthan Royals there and complete that fixture. Pandit was amused by the suggestion and playfully replied that he would consider it."Please don't talk to the BCCI," Rana responded, eliciting laughter from Pandit.Despite his playful banter with the BCCI, Rana played a crucial role in KKR's victory over LSG, taking three wickets. He emphasized the team's focus on making it to the playoffs and highlighted the importance of hitting the hard lengths.Rana's performance and his humorous dig at the BCCI have garnered attention on social media, with fans appreciating his lighthearted approach to the game.

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) resurgence to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings has been attributed to the strategic guidance of former captain Gautam Gambhir, who now serves as the team's mentor. Gambhir's insights, honed during his successful tenure as KKR skipper, have revitalized the franchise's performance, leading them to reclaim their dominant form in the tournament.Under Gambhir's leadership, KKR clinched the IPL title twice and secured playoff berths on five occasions between 2011 and 2017. Young pacer Harshit Rana acknowledged Gambhir's profound understanding of the game, stating, "He has a lot of knowledge on how to turn games in our favor, and it helps us a lot in the middle."Rana emphasized the team's adherence to Gambhir's preferred style of cricket, which focuses on strategic discipline and adaptability. "Not only this match, this entire season we have been focusing a lot on the style of cricket that Gautam Gambhir wants us to play," Rana remarked during a press conference following KKR's commanding victory over Lucknow Super Giants.In the latest triumph, KKR showcased their astute reading of the conditions, with Rana playing a pivotal role in restricting the opposition with figures of 3/24. Despite concerns over Mitchell Starc's economy rate, Rana expressed unwavering faith in the Australian speedster, highlighting his influential presence within the team.Reflecting on his aspirations, Rana expressed his ambition to represent India while maintaining a steadfast focus on delivering consistent performances for his franchise. "My aim is to play for India, but whatever franchise I play for, I try to give my best on the day of the match," he affirmed.Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants' Naveen Ul Haq conceded defeat against the brilliance of Sunil Narine's explosive innings, which propelled KKR to a daunting total. Naveen acknowledged Narine's exceptional batting display, lamenting the failure of their bowling plans to contain the West Indian all-rounder.Despite the setback, Naveen remained pragmatic, acknowledging the need to regroup and refocus for their upcoming fixtures. "Every team has a bad day, and we cannot keep focusing on that, we have to move on," he concluded, echoing the sentiment of resilience required in the demanding landscape of the IPL.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Harshit Rana has once again found himself in hot water with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for his on-field celebrations. Rana, who has already been penalized twice this season for similar offenses, couldn't resist repeating his antics in the IPL 2024 match against Lucknow Super Giants.Despite being handed a 100% fine on his match fee and a one-match suspension for breach of IPL Code of Conduct, Rana managed to "tease" the BCCI with his latest celebration. The uncapped Indian pacer kept a finger on his mouth after dismissing a Lucknow batsman, prompting fans to speculate that he was mocking the cricket board.KKR also decided to share the picture of Rana's celebration on social media, further fueling the controversy. The BCCI is yet to comment on the incident, but it is likely that Rana will face further disciplinary action.Rana's previous celebration, which earned him a suspension, came in the match against Delhi Capitals. The pacer had celebrated a wicket by running towards the boundary line and jumping over the advertising hoardings. The BCCI deemed this celebration to be "excessive" and "against the spirit of the game."The BCCI has been cracking down on excessive celebrations in recent years, with the aim of maintaining the decorum of the game. However, some players have argued that the rules are too strict and stifle their creativity.It remains to be seen whether the BCCI will take offense to Rana's latest celebration and hand him another penalty. The pacer has already admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction for his previous celebration, but it is possible that the BCCI will view his latest antics as a deliberate provocation.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are soaring high after their thrilling victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, a venue where they had not tasted success against MI in 12 years. The team is now setting their sights on a league double over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), whom they defeated earlier this season at Eden Gardens.During their match against MI, KKR was without emerging pacer Harshit Rana, who was serving a one-match ban for a Code of Conduct breach. Rana had been handed a one-match suspension along with a 100% of his match fee fine for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during a match against Delhi Capitals. The KKR pacer was found guilty of committing a Level 1 offense under Article 2.5 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. Rana admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction.Rana has made headlines this season for his unique "flying kiss" celebration. He had given a fiery send-off to SRH batter Mayank Agarwal earlier during the season and came close to doing the same to DC wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel. However, former KKR captain Nitish Rana poked fun at Harshit during their flight to Lucknow. In a video shared by KKR on their official Twitter handle, Nitish asked Harshit, "How about another flying kiss?"While Harshit couldn't contain his laughter, he said "no" to Nitish's request without any second thoughts.In his last outing, Rana picked up two wickets against DC. In total, he has bagged 11 wickets in eight matches.With 12 points, KKR is currently ranked second in the standings and has the highest Net Run Rate (NRR) of any team in the competition, at 1.096. The team is looking to continue their winning ways and cement their position in the top four.

Harshit Rana, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler, has been handed a hefty fine and a one-match suspension for breaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct during his team's match against Delhi Capitals (DC).Rana's offense occurred during the seventh over of DC's innings when he dismissed batter Abishek Porel. As Porel walked back to the pavilion, Rana engaged in animated celebrations, which were deemed inappropriate by the match officials.The IPL release did not specify the exact nature of Rana's breach, but it is believed to be related to his excessive celebration towards Porel. Rana was subsequently charged with a Level 1 breach under Article 2.5 of the tournament rules, which prohibits "conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game."This is Rana's second offense of the season, having previously been penalized for a similar incident during KKR's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In that game, Rana gave SRH batter Mayank Agarwal a sharp stare after dismissing him, resulting in a 60% match fee fine.As a result of his latest breach, Rana has been fined 100% of his match fee and suspended for one game. He will miss KKR's upcoming match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on May 3.The suspension is a significant blow to KKR, who are currently second in the IPL standings with 12 points. Rana has been a key contributor to the team's success this season, taking 11 wickets in eight matches.The incident highlights the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and respecting opponents in the IPL. The tournament's Code of Conduct is designed to ensure fair play and prevent unsportsmanlike behavior.

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) young pacer Harshit Rana has emerged as a breakout star in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The 22-year-old has impressed with his exceptional bowling performances, claiming 11 wickets in the tournament so far. His stellar show has caught the attention of experts and veteran cricketers, earning him a potential spot in the T20 World Cup squad.However, Rana's performances have been overshadowed by a few controversial incidents. Earlier in the season, he was criticized for giving a flying-kiss send-off to Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Mayank Agarwal. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) docked 60% of his match fees for the gesture, which was widely condemned by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.On Monday, Rana was involved in another incident that could have landed him in hot water. After dismissing Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel in the seventh over, Rana gestured towards the batter, indicating the way to the dugout. However, he quickly realized the potential consequences and refrained from crossing the line.Despite these controversies, Rana's bowling has been a major factor in KKR's success this season. In the match against Delhi Capitals, he played a crucial role in restricting the opposition to a modest total of 153/9.In the run-chase, Phil Salt's blistering knock of 68 runs off 33 balls propelled KKR to a comfortable seven-wicket victory. Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer also made significant contributions, ensuring that KKR sealed the win with 21 balls to spare.Rana's performances have not only earned him praise but also raised questions about his temperament. While his talent is undeniable, he needs to learn to control his emotions and avoid unnecessary controversies. If he can do that, he has the potential to become a top-class bowler for both KKR and the Indian national team.