Harshit Rana was officially reprimanded by the ICC after his gesture following Dewald Brevis’ dismissal in the Ranchi ODI. (Image Credit: X/ @mrcricketuae)
India vs South Africa ODI Series: Harshit Rana was found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct in the first ODI between the national cricket teams of India and South Africa in Ranchi. Match reports mention that after he dismissed batter Dewald Brevis in the 22nd over of South Africa's innings.
Harshit Rana made a gesture toward the Indian dressing room, which the match officials considered to be disparaging or provocative. Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct prohibits "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his dismissal during an International Match"; hence, Rana's gesture fell into the category of an offence.
On-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sam Nogajski reviewed the incident and were supported by third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit. They laid a charge for a Level-1 breach, which attracts a minimum sanction of an official reprimand and a monetary fine of up to 50% of the match fee and one or more demerit points.
As it was Rana's first offence in the past 24 months and he accepted the breach, accepting the proposed sanction by match referee Richie Richardson, there was no need for a formal hearing. Rana was, therefore, given an official reprimand and one demerit point on his disciplinary record, with the matter now closed.
While the celebration was unnecessary and drew unwanted attention, on the field, Rana did deliver when it mattered. In that same over as the controversial celebration, Rana struck twice - removing both Rickelton and a top-order batter to add crucial pressure on the Proteas.
South Africa had struggled in their chase of 349 early due to India's disciplined bowling attack, and tight fielding supported by the contribution from experienced bowlers allowed them to hold on and seal the win in a dramatic 17-run victory. The victory gave India a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series, but the off-field chatter regarding Rana's conduct eclipsed the on-field success.
The swift reprimand of Rana underlines the ICC's zero-tolerance policy as far as unsportsmanlike conduct is concerned, even if players strike key blows on the field. For a team like India, with a global spotlight and a mix of veterans and youngsters, the incident serves as a reminder that discipline matters as much as performance.
Analysts believe the message is now clear: match-winning wickets don't excuse behaviour deemed provocative or disrespectful. As the series wears on, players will likely be under heightened scrutiny-and not just for their cricketing skills, but also for their composure and conduct.
From a strictly cricketing point of view, Rana's bowling - the double strike in the pressure over, in particular, could enhance his standing with selectors and teammates. But the reprimand stings: while minor in comparison to graver offences, it tarnishes the disciplinary record of a young pacer.
In long tournaments and high-stakes matches to come, including the 2027 World Cup cycle, maintaining a clean disciplinary slate will be as important as maintaining figures on the scoreboard. As India prepares for the second ODI, all eyes will be on Rana-not only to deliver with the ball, but also to prove he can stay composed under heat, both on and off the field.
