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Harshit Rana punished by ICC; reprimanded for breaching Code of Conduct during 1st ODI

Rajgeeta Yadav

Harshit Rana has been reprimanded [Source: AFP]Harshit Rana has been reprimanded [Source: AFP]

In a major update, young Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana has been pulled up by the ICC for his over-the-top send-off to South African batter Dewald Brevis during the first ODI in Ranchi on Sunday.

The ICC announced on Wednesday that Rana broke Article 2.5 of its Code of Conduct. This rule basically says that a player cannot use words, gestures, or actions that insult or provoke a batter after getting them out.

The moment unfolded during the 22nd over of South Africa's innings, when Rana, bowling at around 139 kph, delivered a fuller ball wide outside off stump. Brevis attempted a big lofted shot over point but mistimed it completely, sending the ball high towards Ruturaj Gaikwad near the boundary. 

Gaikwad completed a comfortable catch as the home crowd erupted. Immediately after the dismissal, Rana turned toward Brevis, shouted in his direction, and wagged his finger in a clear “off you go” gesture.

Harshit Rana receives one demerit point

According to the ICC, the gesture was considered something that could have provoked an aggressive reaction from the batter. As a result, Rana received one demerit point added to his disciplinary record. 

The 23-year-old admitted the charge on the field and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel. This marks Rana’s first offence in international cricket within the last two years.

This is not the first time Rana’s celebrations have landed him in disciplinary trouble. During IPL 2024, he was penalised for a flying-kiss send-off to Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Mayank Agarwal. That incident resulted in a fine and a one-match suspension for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. While he has faced scrutiny at the franchise level before, this is his first disciplinary strike while representing India.

Despite the controversy, Rana delivered an impactful performance with the ball in Ranchi. He finished with three important wickets for 65 runs, striking early and breaking South Africa’s momentum in their chase of 350. His early breakthroughs, combined with Virat Kohli’s commanding 135 and Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul, helped India secure a 17-run victory and take a 1–0 lead in the series.