Gautam Gambhir Hits Back at Kris Srikkanth, Says Targeting Harshit Rana for YouTube Views Is Shameful

Gautam Gambhir Slams Kris Srikkanth for Criticising Young Cricketers, Calls It Shameful.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly criticised former chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth for targeting young players like Harshit Rana on social media. Speaking at the post-match press conference after India’s series win over West Indies in Delhi, Gambhir condemned those who attack 23-year-old cricketers merely to generate views on platforms like YouTube.

Srikkanth had earlier joked on his YouTube channel that Harshit Rana was the first name on the teamsheet in Gambhir’s side, a comment that went viral and led to trolling of the young pacer.

Gambhir, without naming Srikkanth directly, said:

“It’s a little shameful. Criticising 23-year-olds to run your YouTube channel is unfair. Harshit’s father isn’t an ex-chairman or cricketer — he’s made it on his own merit. Target individuals for their performance, not to get views. Imagine if your kid gets abused like this. Criticise me, I can handle it, but a 23-year-old boy? That’s not acceptable.”

He emphasised that such behaviour shows a lack of moral responsibility towards Indian cricket and sets a dangerous precedent for young players.

Srikkanth had also questioned the inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy in India’s ODI squad, suggesting that he wasn’t a proper all-rounder and might struggle in Australia.

Both Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy were part of India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad, performing decently with the bowling unit in a series marked by repeated batting collapses.

Gambhir’s remarks underline the growing need to protect young talent from undue criticism, especially from senior figures in the cricketing ecosystem.