“Bhabhi Bol Inko”: Harshit Rana Shares Hilarious First Meeting with Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli

New Delhi, january 19, 2026: Cricket fans are no strangers to Virat Kohli’s infectious energy and his penchant for lighthearted “ragging” of junior players. In a recent interview that has since gone viral, young Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Harshit Rana opened up about his memorable—and slightly awkward—first interaction with Bollywood star Anushka Sharma, orchestrated by none other than the “King” himself.

The anecdote, which has been making waves across social media platforms, highlights the camaraderie that exists within the Indian cricketing fraternity, transcending franchise rivalries.

A Starstruck Moment Turned Playful

Harshit Rana, who has rapidly risen through the ranks thanks to his impressive pace and fiery celebrations, recalled a moment when he crossed paths with the power couple. Like many young cricketers, Rana admitted to being a bit starstruck in the presence of Anushka Sharma.

However, Virat Kohli, sensing the youngster’s nervousness, decided to break the ice in his signature Delhi style. Rana revealed that while he was trying to be respectful and composed, Kohli nudged him and quipped:

“Bhabhi bol inko!” (Call her Bhabhi!)

The phrase, which translates to “Call her your sister-in-law,” is a common term of endearment and respect in North India. By insisting on the title, Kohli wasn’t just pulling Rana’s leg; he was effectively welcoming him into the extended “cricketing family.”

Breaking the Ice

Rana shared the story with a laugh, noting how the comment immediately dissolved the tension. According to the pacer, Kohli’s playful nature helped him feel at ease.

“I was standing there a bit formally, and Virat bhaiya just looked at me and said that. It was so unexpected but so funny that all my nervousness just vanished,” Rana mentioned during the interaction.

Anushka Sharma, known for her grace and support of the team, reportedly took the banter in stride, further cementing her image as the “First Lady” of Indian cricket who shares a warm rapport with the players.

Harshit Rana: The Rising Star

While this off-field story is winning hearts, Rana has been making headlines primarily for his on-field exploits.

• IPL Success: He played a pivotal role in KKR’s 2024 championship run.
• National Call-up: His consistent performance earned him a spot in the Indian national squad for recent white-ball tours.
• The “Aggressive” Tag: Despite his “bad boy” image on the field due to his intense send-offs, this story reveals a more grounded and humble side to the young fast bowler.

The Kohli Effect

This incident is another addition to the long list of stories about Virat Kohli’s mentorship. Despite his fierce competitiveness during matches, Kohli is frequently praised by youngsters for being approachable and supportive behind the scenes. By using humor, he often helps debutants and junior players navigate the high-pressure environment of international cricket.