The intensity of the first ODI in Ranchi went up several notches when Indian pacer Harshit Rana dismissed Dewald Brevis for 37 and followed it with one of the most aggressive send-offs seen in recent India–South Africa clashes.
Brevis, who had hammered three sixes and looked dangerous, attempted to loft Rana over cover but ended up slicing the ball straight to Ruturaj Gaikwad at sweeper cover, who completed a clean catch.
As soon as Gaikwad held onto it, Rana turned toward Brevis and unleashed a charged-up, emotional celebration. The young fast bowler wagged his finger, shouted in Brevis’ direction, and appeared to utter a strong Hindi expletive, clearly audible on stump mic replays.
While the exact word cannot be confirmed, viewers on social media were quick to point out that Rana seemed to drop a “choice Hindi abuse” in the heat of the moment.
The wicket came at a crucial juncture, breaking South Africa’s momentum and leaving them at 130/5, still needing a huge chase. Rana, who had already removed Rickelton and de Kock earlier, ensured his spell became one of the biggest talking points of the match.
The send-off has since gone viral online, with fans calling it everything from “raw aggression” to “pure emotion from a young fast bowler hungry for success.”
