Virat Kohli kept shouting 'maarta reh, idhar hi maar isko': Harshit Rana on exchange with Mitchell Starc at BGT

Harshit Rana on exchange with Mitchell Starc at BGT (PTI Photo)

Harshit Rana shared an episode with Mitchell Starc during the previous edition of Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the video of which went viral on social media. The moment took place in the series opener in Perth as Rana tried to trouble the Aussie tail-ender with a barrage of bouncers. Starc, who had previously shared the dressing room with Rana while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, was not very impressed and decided to give it back.

Starc was caught on the stump-mic sending a strong reminder to Rana on the latter's followthrough. The incident took place in the 30th over of the Australian first innings as Rana was making his way back to the bowling crease. Starc called Harshit from behind and said: “Harshit, I bowl faster than you.” The exchange didn't stop there as Starc suggested that you will also be tested with the same when your turn comes. "I've got a long memory," added Starc. Rana responded to the banter with a smile.

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Rana who appeared as a guest on the YouTube podcast of Ranveer Allahbadia a.k.a 'Beer Biceps' was asked about the exchange. Providing details of the turn of events, the Indian pacer said how Virat Kohli, who has now announced retirement from Tests, and KL Rahul, positioned in the slip cordon, kept pumping him to continue the short-ball tactic.

“I bowled a bouncer at him after a long time. One of them hit his helmet. When he sledged, I just laughed it off. But while I was walking back for my run-up, I was like 'mar gaya. Ab ye maarega mujhe bouncer' (I'm dead, now he will bowl bouncers at me). And then, from behind, Virat bhai and KL bhai kept shouting 'maarta reh, maarta reh, idhar hi maar isko' (keep hitting him at the same spot!). I was like ‘Bhaiya aap toh khel loge, mere lagegi sar pe!' (You both will play him easily, I'll get hit on the helmet!),” Harshit said recalling the moment on the podcast.

“He actually hit me on the helmet in the second Test,” he added.

India had won the match by 295 runs but went to lose the series 3-1, which also cost them the World Test Championship final spot.