Ever since the Indian squad for the Australia tour was announced, various issues have been under discussion. Among multiple decisions, questions are being raised about keeping young pacer Harshit Rana in the team. Whether it's the national team or IPL, this pacer hasn't been able to catch attention in the recent past. He disappointed during the England tour as well.
Even then, questions are repeatedly being raised about how Harshit gets a place in the team. Many claim that Harshit is getting this opportunity because he is Gautam Gambhir's favourite cricketer. Now Gambhir himself has spoken about this issue. He fired back against the critics.
Former cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth had spoken about keeping Harshit Rana in the team. Whatever the tournament or format may be, he described Harshit as the only permanent member in the team. Ravichandran Ashwin was not spared either. He took a dig at Gambhir, saying he was present at the selection meeting and wanted to know the reason for taking Harshit in the team. In this situation, Gambhir stood by the young bowler. He took the critics to task in strong language. He said, “Making such personal attacks on a 23-year-old cricketer is truly shameful. He is not the son of some former chairman who would get opportunities just like that. Trolling about this on social media is also not right. This mentality itself is surprising. One shouldn't say whatever they want just to run their YouTube channel. If needed, attack me; I can handle it. But leave the other youngsters alone.”
However, whatever Gambhir may say, statistics are also not speaking in favor of Harshit. He has taken only 4 wickets in 2 Tests, 10 wickets in 5 ODIs, and 5 wickets in 3 T20s for India. In the Asia Cup too, he played one match and gave away 54 runs in 4 overs. Even then, cricket lovers feel that his getting a place in the team is inappropriate.
