Team India is all set to lock horns against Australia for the white-ball series, which will include three ODI matches and five T20I games.

One of the most controversial picks in the ODI squad was Harshit Rana. Speaking on his selection in the squad, former Team India batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth said that the pacer is only in the team because of being the “yes man” of head coach Gautam Gambhir.

“There is only one member, Harshit Rana…nobody knows why he is there in the team. Best is to be like Harshit Rana and be a constant yes man to Gambhir to be selected (in the side),” said the 65-year-old former cricketer.

Reacting to the trolls, the head coach said that it is shameful to target a 23-year-old player just to run a YouTube Channel.

“It`s shameful that someone wanting to run his YouTube channel is targeting a 23-year-old. If you want to target me, do it. I can handle it, but trolling a 23-year-old kid for YouTube views is shameful,” said Gambhir in the press conference that followed India`s 2-0 Test series triumph over the West Indies.

“His (Rana`s) father is not a selector. He has played cricket on his own merit. Don`t target these young boys,” he added.

Gambhir and Rana had previously worked during their stint with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

India defeated West Indies by seven wickets in the second game here.

So far, Harshit has represented India in two Test matches and five One-Day International (ODI) matches. Apart from these two formats, the New Delhi-born cricketer has also donned the Indian T20I jersey on three occasions.

The pacer was also a part of the Indian squad that won the Asia Cup 2025 by defeating arch-rivals, Pakistan, in the title clash.

The three-match ODI series between India and Australia will kick off on October 19, with the first game scheduled to be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The second match will be played on October 23 at the Adelaide Oval, followed by the third game on October 25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Later, both teams will engage in the five-match T20I contest, beginning on October 29.

(With PTI Inputs)

By admin