Gambhir slams Ashwin and Srikkanth for 'unfairly targeting' Harshit Rana

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has hit out at former captain Kris Srikkanth and veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for what he described as unfair criticism of young fast bowler Harshit Rana and for questioning his inclusion in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Gambhir’s remarks came after India’s seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test in Delhi, which sealed a 2–0 series sweep.

On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth had alleged that Harshit’s selection was influenced by favoritism, calling him a “yes man” and Gambhir’s preferred player. He had also earlier criticised the pacer’s inclusion in the Asia Cup squad. Meanwhile, Ashwin, in his own YouTube video, expressed doubts about why Rana was being picked across formats.

“It’s shameful that someone trying to grow his YouTube channel is targeting a 23-year-old,” Gambhir said during the post-match press conference. “If you want to target me, do it — I can take it. But trolling a young player for views is disgraceful. His father isn’t a selector; he has earned his place through his own performances. Stop targeting young cricketers.”

The backlash over Harshit’s selection extended beyond former players, with social media abuzz with memes mocking the Delhi speedster after his name appeared in the squad for the Australia tour.

Addressing the broader criticism, Gambhir urged fans and media outlets to show restraint and act responsibly, stressing that everyone shares a moral obligation to support Indian cricket rather than tear it down.

Also Read: Former great questions Harshit Rana’s continued selection in Indian team

“Social media trolling of Harshit is unacceptable. Think about the mindset — anyone’s child could be in his place. We all have a moral duty to ensure Indian cricket thrives,” Gambhir said.

Despite Gambhir’s defence, much of the reaction to Harshit’s inclusion stems from his underwhelming performances in international cricket so far. The 23-year-old earned a rapid promotion to the national team following a stellar IPL 2024 season under Gambhir’s mentorship at Kolkata Knight Riders. However, his international record has been modest — four wickets at an average of 50.70 in two Tests during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and limited success in white-ball formats. In the last IPL season, his economy rate exceeded 10, and during the Asia Cup, he managed just two wickets for 79 runs in two matches.