Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler Harshit Rana is in the news once again—not for his bowling, however, but for his on-field behavior. Known for his over-the-top celebrations in previous seasons of the IPL, Harshit had been fined earlier for his infamous “flying kiss” gesture, which was deemed a violation of the IPL Code of Conduct.
In IPL 2025, his bowling has been patchy, but Rana’s belligerent temperament was on full display for everyone to witness in KKR’s latest game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Having bowled out Aiden Markram with a sharply struck off-cutter, the pacer then went on to celebrate in a melodramatic manner by pointing towards the pavilion, as if indicating to the batter where they needed to go after getting out.
Does Harshit Rana Risk Another IPL Fine?
This behavior, as much as it is not physical, comes under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct regarding the use of abusive language or gestures likely to provoke an irritated response from a fellow player. The code says that:
- Any wild or abrupt celebration close to the rejected batter
- Any gesture such as pointing toward the pavilion
- Or mouth abuse in send-offs
Can be considered behavior contrary to the spirit of the game.
This incident finds some similarity with LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi, who was fined recently for a notebook-style gesture perceived as taunting. If Harshit’s gesture has gone overboard, in the sense of the judgment of the match referee, the outcome can be disciplinary action coupled with a penalty.
LSG’s Dominance Against KKR
KKR’s early-game option of bowling first in the same game came back to haunt them. LSG’s opening-wicket duo, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, put up a record 99-run stand, piling enormous pressure on the KKR bowling attack. Harshit Rana, even though aggressive in approach, was one of the few bowlers who managed to break the stand.
By the 13th over, LSG were cruising along at 138/1, with Mitchell Marsh nearing a century, proving their dominance over the KKR attack.
