Fast bowler Harshit Rana has faced fierce criticism and online trolling following his selection in the Indian team for the white-ball tour of Australia.
Rana has become a mainstay in the Indian team across all formats ever since Gautam Gambhir took charge of the national team as head coach.
The pacer was first picked for the Test series in Australia last year, before making it to the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. He was also a part of the Indian squad that recently won the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE.
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Rana saw a change in his fortune after playing a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders winning the Indian Premier League title in 2024. Incidentally, Gambhir was the mentor of that KKR side.
While the pacer from Delhi has proved his worth at the international level, criticisms have been a part of his journey, with many fans alleging that Rana has Gambhir's constant backing.
After the second Test against West Indies, Gambhir had come to Rana's defence as he urged media personnel and fans not to target a young player like him.
READ: 'Still 2 and half years away' - Gambhir on whether Kohli and Sharma will play 27 World Cup
What did Gautam Gambhir say about Harshit Rana?
Rana, the 23-year-old pacer from Delhi, has been a hot topic on social media, with fans questioning his place in the side. Furthermore, people have alleged that former KKR mentor Gambhir favoured Rana due to the Knight Riders connection.
In a strong statement after India's victory against the West Indies, Gambhir condemned the trollers, calling them shameful and irresponsible.
"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. Everyone has a moral responsibility to make sure India's cricket does well," Gambhir said.
"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 the same for all the young stars," added Gambhir.
MORE: Gambhir says he's not a ruthless coach during team selection
Rajeev Shukla backs Gautam Gambhir as BCCI official defends Harshit Rana
Speaking to Tribune India, Shukla said: "Gautam Gambhir is right. If someone has any complaints about the players, then it should be done responsibly. This will bring the players' morale down. It is the job of the team to select players. So, before you say anything about the players, you should think about how much responsibility you should take."
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