‘Don’t say anything to run your YouTube channel’ – Gautam Gambhir comes in defends Harshit Rana’s team selection

Gautam Gambhir did not mince words when he criticised those who mocked Harshit Rana over his inclusion in India’s white-ball selections for the forthcoming tour of Australia. Kris Srikkanth, the former BCCI chief selector, hit out at the Indian team management on his YouTube channel following Rana’s selection for the Down Under tour. The former India opener has stated that the Delhi pacer is the “only one permanent member” of the team.

Following India’s 2-0 series win over the West Indies on Tuesday, October 14, head coach Gambhir addressed the media at a press conference in Delhi. The birthday kid spoke up for Harshit, protecting him from his critics without identifying anyone in particular. The 44-year-old encouraged the trolls to target him rather than the young seamer.

“It’s a little shameful that you are targeting a 23 year old personally – Harshit’s father is not an ex chairman. It is not fair that you target an individual. Social media trolling is just not right & imagine the mindset. Anyone’s kid will play cricket – Every one has us moral responsibility to make sure india cricket does well,” Gambhir said in the post-match press conference.

Don’t say anything to run your YouTube channel – if you want, then target me, I can handle it but leave that Kid alone & it’s same for all the young stars,” he added.

Rana’s criticism stems largely from his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) connection with Gautam Gambhir.

The 23-year-old was a part of the KKR side when they won the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024 under Gambhir’s mentorship. Having made his international debut last year in November, Rana has played two Tests, five ODIs, and three T20Is. The right-arm speedster has picked up four, 10, and five wickets in the three formats, respectively. However, his economy rates have been concerningly high.

India will begin their tour of Australia with a three-match ODI series, starting on October 19 in Perth. After the ODIs, the Men in Blue will face Mitchell Marsh and Co. in a five-match T20I series from October 29 onwards.