Kolkata Knight Riders‘ young fast bowler, Harshit Rana, emerged as a standout performer in the IPL 2024 season, showcasing his talent and resilience on the field. Despite facing challenges, including a one-match ban, Rana’s journey was defined by his remarkable performances and the unwavering support of the KKR franchise, especially team owner Shah Rukh Khan.
Rana’s IPL 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, with the 22-year-old Delhi pacer making significant contributions to KKR’s success. He claimed a total of 19 wickets in 13 matches, playing a pivotal role in KKR’s third title victory. However, it was not all smooth sailing for the young bowler, as he faced a setback when he was banned for one match for a Level 1 offence during a game against Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens.
Despite the ban, Rana’s spirits were lifted by Shah Rukh Khan, who assured him of the team’s support and promised a special celebration if KKR won the IPL trophy. Khan’s words proved to be a source of motivation for Rana, who was determined to make a strong comeback. True to his word, Khan and the entire KKR team celebrated their IPL victory with a flying kiss gesture, as promised, after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.
Reflecting on the incident, Rana shared, “After I got banned for one match, I was very sad, and then Shah Rukh sir came to me and said, ‘Tu tension mat le ye waali celebration Trophy ke saath karenge (We will celebrate the IPL with a flying kiss). He promised me and made sure that we did that with the trophy and our team.”
Rana’s redemption story reached its pinnacle in the IPL final, where he delivered a standout performance, claiming two wickets for just 24 runs in four overs, including a maiden over. His contributions were instrumental in restricting Sunrisers Hyderabad to a low total of 113 runs, setting up an easy chase for KKR’s batsmen.
Mitchell Starc’s sensational opening spell and a brilliant batting performance from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer ensured KKR’s victory with 9.3 overs to spare, securing their third IPL title.
Rana’s journey in IPL 2024 serves as a testament to his talent, determination, and the unwavering support of his team and franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan. As he continues to grow in his career, Rana’s performance in IPL 2024 will be remembered as a standout moment in his cricketing journey.
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