Watch: Harshit Rana celebrates Gaikwad's wicket in trademark style

Indian pacer Harshit Rana's iconic 'flying kiss' celebration made a dramatic return during Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy tournament. Playing for India D, Harshit brought back his infamous gesture that caught everyone's attention during IPL 2024. His signature celebration reappeared after he dismissed India C's captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, adding excitement to an already intense match.

Harshit Rana set the tone early for India D, making crucial breakthroughs in the opening overs. During the 7th over of India C's first innings, Harshit bowled a short of length delivery outside off-stump. Ruturaj Gaikwad, captain of India C, edged it, and the ball was comfortably caught in the slips. Gaikwad's brief stay at the crease ended after scoring just five runs in 19 balls.

After the wicket, India D erupted in celebrations, and Harshit brought back his iconic 'flying kiss' gesture. However, unlike the IPL, this time, the kiss was not directed towards the dismissed batter but rather towards the dressing room, leaving fans and players both amused and surprised. Earlier in the match, Harshit dismissed opening batter Sai Sudharsan for seven runs off 16 balls, reducing India C to 14/2 in the first seven overs—just the kind of start India D needed.

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— Gill Bill (@bill_gill76078) September 5, 2024

The infamous celebration and its IPL origins

Harshit Rana's 'flying kiss' first became a sensation during the IPL 2024 when he played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The celebration stirred up controversy after he gave a flying kiss send-off to Mayank Agarwal during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, which led to disciplinary action. Harshit was suspended for a match and fined 100% of his match fee for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct for the second time during the season.

The incident wasn’t isolated—Harshit found himself in hot water again after giving an animated send-off to Delhi Capitals' Abhishek Porel during KKR's win at Eden Gardens. This led to his second offence and further sanctions. Ironically, KKR co-owner Shahrukh Khan embraced Harshit's animated celebrations, even asking the entire team to perform the 'flying kiss' after winning the ICC Trophy.

See Also: Watch: Sarfaraz Khan's special celebration on his brother's Duleep Trophy century

Harshit Rana's ambitions ahead of a big season

Harshit Rana's stellar performance in the Duleep Trophy, along with his return of the infamous 'flying kiss,' is sure to keep him in the spotlight. With two early wickets, including the key dismissal of Gaikwad, Harshit showcased his form and ability to deliver in critical moments. The pacer is now looking to cement his place in India's upcoming home season. He has already been named in the T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series and the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour.

With a promising future ahead, Harshit is undoubtedly a talent to watch, both for his on-field performances and his memorable celebrations.