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“It’s a little shameful…”: Gambhir strikes back at trolls targeting Harshit Rana

Poulomi Chakraborty

Gambhir backs Rana amidst trolling (Source: @KKR_Xtra/x.com)Gambhir backs Rana amidst trolling (Source: @KKR_Xtra/x.com)

Since Gautam Gambhir took charge of the Indian cricket team, some players’ frequent selection has put him in the gun sights. After Gambhir came on the post, Harshit Rana made his all-format debut, and that sparked attention.

After young pacer Harshit Rana earned his spot in India’s squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia, the trolls came out in full force. Following India’s Test series win over the West Indies, head coach Gautam Gambhir stepped in to address the online backlash against the rising star.

Gambhir speaks out on Harshit Rana’s trolling

After Gautam Gambhir took the hot seat of the Indian cricket team, some players fulfilled their wish to don the iconic jersey and represent the nation. Young Kolkata Knight Riders’ pacer Harshit Rana is one of them. The young bowler has made his debut in all three formats and played 10 matches, securing 19 wickets.

As Rana’s selection has always been linked to Gambhir’s KKR connection, the trolls became harsh after he was selected for the upcoming Australia tour. After Team India won the Test series against West Indies, Gautam Gambhir shut down trolls, calling it 'shameful'.

“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,” he said.

“Anyone’s kid will play cricket - Everyone has us moral responsibility to make sure Indian cricket does well. 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 same for all the young stars,” he added.

A clean sweep against the Caribbean stars

After a dramatic draw in the last five-match Test series against England, Team India was looking for complete redemption, and the recently ended Test series has been their golden turn. As red-ball cricket returned to the Indian soil after a long as, India faced the West Indies on home soil.

After winning the first Test match in Ahmedabad, the second match between both sides was a pure thriller. Following India’s commanding first-innings performance, the West Indies’ impressive follow-on fight kept fans on edge. Amid the roaring Delhi crowd, India ultimately clinched the series 2-0, setting their sights on an exciting white-ball showdown against Australia.