Harshit Rana punished brutally by ICC, Gautam Gambhir will be angry

Young India fast bowler Harshit Rana has landed himself in trouble after a heated moment during India’s thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi. Harshit Rana’s aggression has put the rising Indian pacer under the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

The incident took place in the 22nd over of South Africa’s chase when Rana dismissed Dewald Brevis, who is known worldwide for his aggressive batting style. Celebrating the big wicket, Harshit turned toward the South African dressing room and angrily told Brevis to walk back.

Harshit Rana reprimanded by ICC for controversial celebration against Dewald Brevis

Match officials felt the action was unnecessary and could have triggered an angry reaction from the dismissed batter. On Wednesday, December 3, the International Cricket Council (ICC) reviewed the heated moment and found Harshit guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the Code of Conduct.

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The ICC reprimanded Rana for his actions and gestures towards Brevis ahead of the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday. Along with the warning, Harshit has also been handed one demerit point on his record for his controversial celebration.

The ICC said in an official statement, “Harshit was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘using language, actions, or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match’.”

This was Rana’s first offense in the past two years. The Indian pacer admitted his offense and accepted the penalty given by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

Harshit Rana's fiery send-off to Dewald Brevis in Ranchi ODI

The drama began with one fiery delivery in Ranchi. Bowling at around 139 kph, Rana sent a fuller ball wide outside the off stump. Dewald Brevis went for a booming shot over point, but he lost his balance mid-shot and ended up skying the ball high into the air.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad stayed calm near the boundary rope and completed a brilliant catch to hand India a big breakthrough. As soon as Gaikwad held the ball, Rana turned straight toward Brevis, shouting and pointing his finger in a clear “time to go” gesture. The young Indian pacer kept his eyes fixed on the batter until his teammates rushed in and surrounded him in celebration.

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Interestingly, this is not the first time when Rana’s emotions took over. His flying-kiss send-off to Mayank Agarwal during IPL 2024 cost him 60% of his match fee and even led to a one-match suspension. Later, he was also fined in a domestic DPL match for another aggressive celebration.

Harshit Rana's 3-wicket burst stuns South Africa in Ranchi

Notably, Rana was on fire in the first ODI against South Africa, finishing with the stunning figures of 3/65 in 10 overs in Ranchi. He was even more lethal with the new ball, dismissing Proteas opener Ryna Rickelton and number three batter and experienced wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock for ducks.

Now, he would be eager to continue his sublime form in the second ODI in Raipur, where the Indian team must be aiming to seal the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa.