Called Anushka ‘ma’am’, Virat Told Me to Call Her ‘Bhabhi’: Harshit Rana – A Candid Cricket Anecdote

Cricket fans are always eager to hear fun stories from behind the scenes, especially those involving team camaraderie and light-hearted moments. One such story making rounds today comes from young Indian pacer Harshit Rana, who shared a humorous first-meeting moment with Bollywood star Anushka Sharma and cricket legend Virat Kohli. In this article, we explore Rana’s revelation, the context behind the comment, and what it reveals about team culture and personalities off the field.

Who Is Harshit Rana? A Rising Star in Indian Cricket

Harshit Rana is one of the newest entrants in India’s pace bowling brigade. The Delhi-born fast bowler made his Test debut in late 2024, playing alongside some of India’s most experienced players, including Virat Kohli, during the Australia tour. Since then, Rana has slowly built a reputation for his pace, control, and potential as a future mainstay in the Indian bowling lineup. He’s also becoming known for his engaging personality off the field.

The Viral Story: Calling Anushka ‘Ma’am’

First Impressions Matter

In a recent interview, Harshit Rana recounted what happened when he first met Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, who is married to Virat Kohli. As he walked into the dressing room after a big win, he hadn’t yet met Anushka in person. Out of respect and nervousness, he addressed her as “ma’am”—a polite but formal term.

Virat Kohli’s Humorous Intervention

Virat, known for his quick wit and sense of humour, immediately teased Rana. He jokingly told him, “tu ma’am kyu bol raha hai inko? Bhabhi bol inko” – meaning, “why are you calling her ‘ma’am’? Call her ‘bhabhi’ (sister-in-law).” The entire room apparently burst out laughing at the light-hearted moment.

This anecdote isn’t just another locker-room joke. It reflects the kind of camaraderie that exists among players and how senior team members like Kohli use humour to ease nerves and build strong relationships with newcomers.

Behind the Laughter: What the Story Says About Team Culture

A Warm Dressing Room Environment

Cricket isn’t just about skills and performance on the field—relationships and trust within the squad matter just as much. Rana’s story highlights a supportive environment where senior players like Virat Kohli create opportunities for younger members to feel relaxed and welcomed.

This kind of team culture often helps players cope with the immense pressure of international cricket, making off-field moments as memorable as on-field achievements.

Mutual Respect Across Personalities

Even though Anushka Sharma is a beloved film star, the cricket dressing room treated her like family. The fact that Kohli encouraged Rana to be informal and playful shows that respect doesn’t always have to be overly formal. Instead, it can be rooted in warmth and inclusion.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma: More Than Just a Cricket Story

While the focus of Rana’s story is humour, it also brings attention to how prominent figures like Virat and Anushka balance fame, professionalism, and personal relationships.

A Power Couple in Spotlight

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are one of India’s most admired couples, known for their individual achievements and shared life away from the glare of public attention. Married in 2017, they have since welcomed two children and supported each other’s careers with dignity and charm.

Virat, throughout his career, has spoken candidly about the positive influence Anushka has had on his life, from calming his nerves on important days to offering unwavering support during tough phases.

Off-Field Friendships and Respect

The way Virat spoke about Rana’s initial nervousness and light-heartedly teased him also reveals the respect he has for his teammates. Kohli has long been known not just as a fierce competitor on the field, but also as someone who builds meaningful connections with those around him.

What This Means for Harshit Rana’s Public Image

A Relatable Moment for Fans

This story humanizes Harshit Rana in the eyes of fans. Instead of just being another fast bowler, he comes across as humble, respectful, and good-natured—someone who isn’t intimidated by big personalities and great legends.

It also shows his ability to laugh at himself, an essential quality for any sportsman dealing with high-pressure environments.

Boosting Harshit Rana’s Visibility

Given how much buzz this story is generating online, it’s likely to enhance Harshit Rana’s visibility beyond his cricketing stats. Fans and commentators appreciate moments that showcase personality alongside performance, and this anecdote certainly does that.

What Fans Are Saying Online

Social media and cricket forums have seen a flurry of reactions since this story came out. Fans are praising the camaraderie between senior and junior players, and many find the whole episode hilarious and heartwarming.

Some comments highlight how such interactions make players more relatable, while others are sharing memes and jokes about the moment. Overall, the reception has been positive, showing that fans enjoy these glimpses behind the scenes just as much as boundaries and wickets.

Final Thoughts: Why This Story Resonates

In the fast-paced world of international cricket, where every match is scrutinized and analyzed, stories like these remind us that players are human beings first. Harshit Rana’s anecdote isn’t just about an amusing moment—it’s about belonging, respect, and the joy of being part of a team.

This incident highlights how relationships off the field can shape the team spirit, build confidence in young players, and offer fans a chance to see their heroes in a different light.

With more appearances for India likely on the horizon, Harshit Rana’s journey is one to watch—not just for his bowling prowess, but also for the vibrant energy and personality he brings to the sport.

Also Read: Ram Charan’s Bulked-Up Look Goes Viral! – Logic Matters