BCCI supports head coach Gautam Gambhir amid Harshit Rana favouritism row

Team India young pacer Harshit Rana has recently found himself at the centre of controversy, with questions being raised about his selection credentials. 

The criticism has come from some of India’s most respected former cricketers, including the recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin—India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests and ex-captain Kris Srikkanth. Both suggested that Rana’s inclusion in India’s ODI squad for the Australia tour was influenced by past associations rather than performance. Social media chatter has further fuelled the debate, branding Rana as Gautam Gambhir’s “favourite” due to their prior connection at the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Also Read: Gambhir slams Ashwin and Srikkanth for 'unfairly targeting' Harshit Rana

The persistent trolling and allegations provoked a strong response from India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Without naming anyone directly, the 44-year-old condemned the remarks, accusing Ashwin and Srikkanth of tarnishing a young player’s image merely for online attention. Gambhir stressed that such behaviour was disgraceful and emphasized that a 23-year-old like Harshit Rana deserves encouragement, not criticism.

Following Gambhir’s statement, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla publicly backed the head coach. “Gautam Gambhir is absolutely right. If someone has issues with player selection, it should be addressed responsibly. Such comments can damage a player’s morale. Team selection is the management’s responsibility, and those speaking about players should do so with accountability,” Shukla asserted.