Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Harshit Rana found himself at the receiving end of some light-hearted teasing from his teammates during a flight to Lucknow for their reverse fixture against LSG. The players asked Harshit if he would give ‘flying kisses’ again, to which he quickly burst out laughing and responded that he would not repeat the gesture.
Teammates’ Banter on Flight
As KKR prepared to face LSG in their upcoming match on Sunday, May 5, the team flew from Mumbai to Lucknow a day ahead. During the journey, KKR players approached Rana, who was resting in his seat and asked about his animated on-field celebration.
Rana had been in the spotlight earlier in the season for his animated wicket celebrations. The young fast bowler from Delhi was suspended for one match and fined 100% of his match fee for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct for the second time this season. His most recent offence occurred during KKR’s victory over Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, April 29.
In that match, Rana directed an animated gesture toward DC’s Abhishek Porel after dismissing him in the 7th over. Rana’s previous breach came during KKR’s game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, when he gave a flying kiss directed at Mayank Agarwal.
Code of Conduct Violations
Both instances of Rana’s behaviour were considered Level 1 offences under Article 2.5 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. Rana admitted to his offences and accepted the Match Referee’s sanctions. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.
The pacer’s decision to decline to repeat the animated gesture shows his awareness of the implications and potential consequences of such actions. While the light-hearted teasing from his teammates may have been playful, Rana will likely be more cautious in his on-field celebrations to avoid further disciplinary measures.
As KKR continues their IPL 2024 campaign, Rana’s focus will shift back to his performance on the field, as the team aims to secure more victories and climb the points table. Fans will be watching to see how Rana and the rest of the KKR squad perform in their upcoming matches.
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