Gautam Gambhir Criticises Kris Srikkanth Over Harshit Rana Remarks, Calls It Shameful for Views

Gautam Gambhir Slams Kris Srikkanth Over Harshit Rana Criticism, Calls It Shameful.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has hit out at former chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth for targeting young players like Harshit Rana to gain attention on social media. Speaking after India’s series win over West Indies in Delhi, Gambhir said it is “shameful” to criticise 23-year-olds for views on YouTube.

Srikkanth had joked on his channel that Harshit Rana is the first name on Gambhir’s teamsheet, sparking trolling of the young pacer online. Without naming Srikkanth, Gambhir said:

“Criticising 23-year-olds to run your YouTube channel is unfair. Harshit has made it on his own merit. Target people for their performance, not to get views. Imagine if your child faced this abuse. Criticise me, I can handle it, but a 23-year-old? That’s not acceptable.”

Gambhir stressed that senior figures in cricket have a moral responsibility to protect young talent, rather than undermine them for clicks. Srikkanth had also questioned the inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the ODI squad, claiming he was not a true all-rounder and could struggle in Australia.

Both Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy were part of India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad, contributing to the bowling unit in a series where the batting repeatedly faltered. Gambhir’s comments highlight the importance of shielding emerging players from undue criticism, particularly from former officials and veterans of the game.