Gautam Gambhir has slammed the critics, including the former India player Krishnamachari Srikkanth, for questioning the selection of Harshit Rana for the tour of Australia. The 23-year-old has been included in the ODI and T20I squads for the high-profile series.
Srikkanth had accused Gambhir of favouritism and alleged that Harshit is in the team because of his connection with the Indian head coach. Ravichandran Ashwin was another ex-cricketer who was unhappy with the decision to include Harshit in the team.
“It is shameful and unfair if you don’t leave a 23-year-old guy to run your YouTube channel. His father is not an ex-chairman or has any connection,” Gambhir said.
“He is in the team because of his performance and will be judged based on his performance. You can criticise me, as I can handle it. Don’t forget he is a young boy, and tomorrow your child can also play for the country, and if someone says a similar thing, then what?
“It is our moral responsibility to be good to Indian cricket and not target young players,” he added.