WATCH: Harshit Rana Fearlessly Revives 'Flying Kiss' Celebration in Duleep Trophy 2024, Undeterred by BCCI's Consequences

New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Harshit Rana resurrected his famous flying kiss celebration during the 2024 Duleep Trophy match between India C and India D at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur, defying the BCCI's punishment for a similar act during IPL 2024. Rana's stellar performance in the Duleep Trophy has further fueled speculation of his imminent call-up to the Indian team, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the world of cricket.

The flying kiss celebration happened in the final ball of the fifth over in the second innings of the Duleep Trophy match when Harshit Rana dismissed India C captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for 5(19). The right-arm, who earned his maiden India call-up earlier this summer on the back of a phenomenal show in IPL 2024, found the outside edge with a length delivery just outside the off as Gaikwad nicked it straight to the Atharva Taide at second slip.

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— Gill Bill (@bill_gill76078) September 5, 2024

In IPL 2024, during the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens on March 23, Harshit Rana blew a flying kiss at Mayank Agarwal after dismissing him. The act not only left Mayank infuriated as he made his way back to the pavilion, but former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticised it on-air as well.

After that, Harshit Rana was found guilty of committing ‘two Level 1 offences under Article 2.5 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct’ and was fined 10 per cent and 50 per cent of his match fees for the two respective offences.

Over a week later, on KKR’s flight to Guwahati for a match against Rajasthan Royals former franchise captain Nitish Rana trolled Harshit asking, “Ek flying kiss ho jaye fir… (How about a flying kiss, then?).” The bowler smiled and said no to it.