The BCCI has reacted strongly and backed Indian coach Gautam Gambhir for his statements criticizing critics for the unnecessary drama surrounding Harshit Rana’s selection in the Indian team across all formats.
Initially, Srikkanth brutally targeted Harshit Rana for his excessive theatrics on the field as the youngster was blamed for focusing way too much on showboating instead of concentrating on bowling, adding that it costs them a lot in a match. He also alleged that Rana was selected only because he was Gambhir’s favourite.
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stated that he would like to be part of the selection meeting and try to understand the thought process of the selectors. He also said that they might have named Harshit Rana as a lower-order batsman but they also had serious doubts about his chances.
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“Target people on their performance, and selectors are there for that job” – Gautam Gambhir
Harshit Rana, the 23-year-old pacer, has played two Tests in Australia and is an ICC Champions Trophy winner for India. However, he has been in the news for being crushed by Indian cricketers.
What has further aggravated the situation is that this criticism has come from two former World Cup winners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Kris Srikkanth. They claimed they had found no reason why Rana was included in the squad.
On social media, he has been described several times as Gautam Gambhir’s ‘lackey’. Reacting to such criticism, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir seemed furious as the Indian head coach did not mince his words while criticizing the former cricketers for sabotaging the 23-year-old’s reputation.
BCCI has backed Gautam Gambhir in his bold statement
Backing Gambhir and supporting the Indian head coach, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla made a bold statement saying (as quoted by ANI): “Gautam Gambhir is right. If anyone has any complaints about the players, then it should be done responsibly. This will bring down the morale of the players. It is the team’s job to to select. So before you say anything about the players, you have to think about how much responsibility you have to take.”
Harshit was recently part of the group of players who gathered at Gautam Gambhir’s residence for a team dinner ahead of the second Test against West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. However, the player was not part of India’s Playing XI in the two-match Test series. Rajeev Shukla also attended the dinner at Gambhir’s residence.
Harshit Rana will be crucial as an extra pacer in Australia
One more tour and Harshit Rana has once again been named in the Indian side in all three formats of the game. The Australian series will mark Harshit Rana as a vital addition, especially in the ODI format, due to Jasprit Bumrah’s snub.
Arshdeep Singh may also be back in the T20I Harshit could be paired alongside Mohammed Siraj in the 50-over format as the Australian circuits support pacers.
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