"Shameful and..."- Gautam Gambhir hits back at Kris Srikkanth for trolling Harshit Rana's India selection

The India head coach, Gautam Gambhir, came into the post-match press conference after the second Test of the two-match series against the West Indies, which they sealed by 2-0 after the seven-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He slammed the trolls, the young pacer of the Blue Brigade, Harshit Rana, faced for his consistent selection to the national side.

Rana made his international debut last year during the opening Perth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 before playing ODIs and T20Is in early 2025. He was also part of the Asia Cup 2025 and will be part of the white-ball series against Australia down under. However, he hasn’t been a consistent member of the eleven.

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“It's shameful that someone wanting to run his YouTube channel is targeting a 23-year-old. If you want to target me, do it. I can handle it, but trolling a 23-year-old kid for YouTube views is shameful. Criticize me, I can handle it; he is just 23. It is not just him; it is about every young player.” Gambhir expressed during the post-match press conference in Delhi.

Gautam Gambhir slams trolls of Harshit Rana for ODI selection in Australia series

Rana has picked up 19 wickets in 11 innings across international cricket at an average of around 30, with the best of 3/31 during a 50-over encounter. The right-arm pacer also featured in the unofficial ODI game against the Australia A side, where he ended with figures of 3/61. Gambhir claimed that it’s a responsibility for others to look after the young players.

“Stop targeting them. I know it is important to perform, but you just can’t go after these kids. It is everyone’s moral responsibility to keep a check on this, you (media) and us.” Gambhir addressed the press conference.

Kris Srikkanth, the former opening batter of the Indian side, blasted the selection of the Delhi pacer for the national side. “Harshit Rana is a permanent because he is Gautam Gambhir's favourite. He is always a certainty and the first name on the team sheet after Shubman Gill.”