Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Manvinder Bisla has come out in support of Harshit Rana and Gautam Gautam, slamming critics who question the youngster's place in the team alleging favoritism. The right-arm pacer was impressive in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India coach however faced criticism for backing the youngster allegedly due to their KKR background.
Bisla spoke out about the topic on the Indian Cricket Canteen YouTube channel and called out the internet narrative.
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“The ones opposing Harshit Rana must be non-KKR fans. I am saying this honestly. Everyone relates it this way that Gautam has a KKR background, that’s why he is supporting Harshit. Koi mama chacha ka rishta to hai nahi (Gambhir is not his uncle or something). Everyone thinks there might be a KKR angle,” Bisla said.
Bisla believes Rana's place in the team is purely due to his performance, not on any favoritism or personal connection with the national coach.
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“India beat Australia in Sydney. All the influencers on social media, cricketers, non-cricketers, everyone spoke about RoKo. Did anyone speak about Harshit? If he had not set it up, what would have happened? Maybe RoKo would have still won us the match. But it was someone else who set up the match. If someone made a video on Harshit, would he have gotten those many views?” Bisla added.
Recently, Sharvan, Rana's childhood coach, revealed an interesting detail about his ward. Speaking with Times of India, Sharvan said Rana spoke with him on the phone before the match (3rd ODI against Australia) and then mentioned the scolding he got from Gambhir.
"He called me and told me that he wanted to shut the outside noise with his performance. I just said, believe in yourself. I know some cricketers say he is close to Gambhir. But Gambhir knows how to identify talent, and he backs them. He has backed a lot of cricketers, and they have done wonders for their team. He, in fact, scolded Harshit badly. He told him directly, ‘perform kar, warna bahar bitha dunga.’ He sends a clear message to whoever you are," said Sharvan.
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