KKR pacer’s flying kiss send-off to SRH’s Mayank Agarwal proves costly as BCCI punishes him for breaching IPL Code of Conduct

Harshit Rana was charged under two separate articles.

KKR pacer’s flying kiss send-off to SRH’s Mayank Agarwal proves costly as BCCI punishes him for breaching IPL Code of Conduct

Mayank Agarwal and Harshit Rana (Image via X)

On 23rd March, Harshit Rana produced one of his best performances in the IPL. Being sent in to bowl the final over of the match, he defended 13 against an in-form Heinrich Klaasen and won Kolkata Knight Riders the match. 

Unfortunately his heroics were not recognized, but instead received punishment. During his 2nd over, Harshit Rana got the wicket of Mayank Agarwal. As a way to celebrate, he sent off the opener by blowing a kiss and having a stare down. This did not go well with fans and pundits. The IPL was also not happy with his actions, fining him 60% of his match fees. 

YouTube video
Rana committed two Level 1 offences under Article 2.5 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. He was fined 10 percent and 50 percent of his match fees for the two respective offences. Rana admitted to the two offences and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding. 
The IPL in a statement

This is the first Code of Conduct breach in the 2024 IPL. The 2023 IPL saw 15 such instances throughout the season. 

Shreyas Iyer reveals what he told Harshit Rana before final over 

Debuting in 2022, Harshit Rana has played only 9 IPL matches in his career. Despite being so inexperienced, captain Shreyas Iyer decided to give the ball to the youngster to defend 13.

Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana (Image via IPL)

The risk paid off, as Rana picked up two wickets and successfully defended the 13. In the post match presentation, Iyer revealed what he said to Rana before the final over. 

To be honest, Harshit was a bit nervous when he was coming to bowl. I looked into his eyes and I told him 'this is your moment, buddy. You need to make the best use of it and don't think much about it'.
Shreyas Iyer in the post match presentation

Iyer said he tried to calm down Rana as much as he could, reminding him that he would be backed regardless of the result. The pacer was hit for a six in the first ball, but he didn’t let that affect him and picked up two wickets. 

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