Gautam Gambhir didn't mince any words in shielding Harshit Rana from trolls, who have questioned the pacer's spot in all three formats of the game. Addressing media after India's seven-wicket victory against West Indies in New Delhi on Tuesday, Gambhir without naming anyone urged people to put in some thoughts before targeting a 23-year-old.
Rana has been subjected to massive trolling in the past month as fans and experts have raised questions about his credentials. In fact, 1983 World Cup-winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth had even alleged favourtism over his selection in the Indian squad.
Sharing views on India's squad for the Australia tour, Srikkanth while speaking on his YouTube channel had noted: "There is only one permanent member – Harshit Rana. Nobody knows why he is there in the team. You don’t pick some players even if they do well and take others even if they don’t. Best is to be like Harshit Rana and be a constant yes-man to Gambhir to be selected."
In more of a no holds barred response, the head coach called the trolling "shameful" and went on a rant.
"It’s a little shameful, I'll be very honest with you. In order to run your YouTube channel you are targeting a 23-year-old, which is unfair. His father is not an ex-chairman, ex-cricketer, or NRI.
The amount of cricket he has played and will play in the future is on merit. Targeting individual is unfair and a player should be rated by his performance, for which the selectors and coaches are there," he said.
Gambhir wasn't finished as he added: "If you say such things for a 23-year-old and then social media amplifies it, imagine the mindset. Anyone’s kid will play cricket and this is not acceptable, you need to understand that he is 23 and not 33. Every one has us moral responsibility to make sure Indian cricket does well so don’t say anything to run your YouTube channel."
Also Read | West Indies resurgence in Delhi could be a sign for the future
Gambhir and Rana have worked together when the former was associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Ever since his appointment as the head coach, Rana is among the few players, who have represented the country in all formats. However, he is yet to make an impact, thus spends significant amount of time during tours on the fringes.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
