Harshit Rana Reprimanded By ICC For Aggressive Send-Off To South Africa’s Dewald Brevis

India pacer Harshit Rana has been officially reprimanded by the ICC for a breach of the Code of Conduct during the first ODI versus South Africa in Ranchi. Rana violated Article 2.5, which covers language, actions, or gestures that disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal in international cricket.

Incident Details

The incident occurred during the 22nd over of South Africa’s innings when Rana dismissed batter Dewald Brevis and made a gesture towards the dressing room. This action was deemed provocative, risking an aggressive response from the Proteas batter. As a result, Rana received one demerit point on his disciplinary record. The ICC noted this was his first offense in 24 months, and Rana accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson, the Emirates ICC Elite Panel Match Referee, thus avoiding a formal hearing.

Match and Context

India won the thrilling series opener by 17 runs, posting 349/8 thanks to a magnificent 135 from Virat Kohli—his 52nd ODI century—and vital contributions from Rohit Sharma (57) and KL Rahul (60). Rana played a key role in derailing South Africa’s chase, striking twice in the same over to remove Rickelton and de Kock. Arshdeep Singh also put pressure by dismissing the South African skipper, Markram, early in the innings.

South Africa’s middle order, including Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, and Dewald Brevis, fought hard to build partnerships. However, Kuldeep Yadav kept breaking South Africa’s rhythm, finishing with four crucial wickets.

Marco Jansen’s aggressive batting revived South Africa’s chances, and Rassie van der Dussen’s resilient fifty kept the contest alive until the final over when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Bosch to secure India’s narrow victory.