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"Mama chacha ka rishta toh..": Gambhir gets ex-KKR star's backing for trusting Harshit Rana

Rajgeeta Yadav

Gautam Gambhir and Harshit Rana [Source: AFP] Gautam Gambhir and Harshit Rana [Source: AFP] 

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Manvinder Bisla has come out strongly in support of Gautam Gambhir and Harshit Rana, rejecting claims that Rana’s place in the Indian team is due to favoritism. 

Ever since Gambhir became India’s head coach in July 2024, some fans have suggested that Rana’s inclusion in the national side was influenced by Gambhir, as both were part of the KKR setup in the IPL.

Bisla, who played under Gambhir during KKR’s title-winning season in 2012, dismissed these accusations, calling them unfair and baseless. He pointed out that Rana earned his place in the Indian team through his excellent IPL 2024 performance, where he played a key role in helping KKR win their third IPL trophy. 

Manvinder Bisla rejects false claims on Harshit Rana

According to Bisla, it was Rana’s consistent bowling and hard work that got him noticed, not any personal connection with Gambhir.

Speaking on the Indian Cricket Canteen YouTube channel, Bisla said that the criticism mostly comes from people who are not KKR supporters. He believes that fans who never liked Gambhir or KKR are creating false stories about favoritism. 

“The ones opposing Harshit Rana must be non-KKR fans. I am saying this honestly,” Bisla said.

He emphasised that Gambhir has always been a performance-based leader, both as a player and now as a coach. Bisla added that those who have worked with Gambhir know he only values hard work. 

“Koi mama chacha ka rishta to hai nahi (Gambhir is not his uncle or something)”, Bisla added.

Backing his argument with facts, Bisla highlighted Rana’s recent performances for India. In the ODI series against Australia, Rana was the highest wicket-taker, claiming 6 wickets in 3 matches. He also contributed with the bat in the T20Is, scoring a steady 35 runs off 33 balls in the second match. 

Overall, Rana has taken 16 wickets in 8 ODI innings with an impressive economy rate of 5.82, proving he deserves his place in the team.

Bisla concluded by saying that people should appreciate Rana’s talent instead of spreading baseless rumours. The young pacer will next be seen in action during the South Africa ODI series, following the two-match home Test series, starting on November 14.