Kolkata Knight Riders’ sensational victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final was not just about explosive batting but also a stellar bowling performance that led them to glory. Young fast bowler Harshit Rana emerged as a key player in the pace department, picking up 19 wickets in 13 matches, showcasing his talent and skill throughout the season.
However, Rana’s memorable moment came early in the season when he made a flying kiss gesture towards Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Mayank Agarwal, and later almost repeated the act against Delhi Capitals. This act of aggression resulted in a heavy fine and a suspension for Rana, who was teased by his teammates for his antics.
After KKR’s emphatic win in the final, franchise co-owner Shah Rukh Khan personally congratulated the team and shared a special moment with Rana. Khan revealed his plans for the IPL celebrations, asking every member of the team to emulate Rana’s flying kiss gesture during the trophy photoshoot, much to the youngster’s amusement.
Despite initially doubting Khan’s words, Rana was surprised to see the entire team and staff following through with the gesture during the photoshoot with the IPL trophy. This victory marked KKR’s third IPL title win, with the team previously lifting the trophy in 2012 and 2014 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.
The celebration was a testament to the team’s unity and camaraderie, with Rana’s playful gesture becoming a memorable part of their championship triumph.