Young Indian pacer Harshit Rana has found himself at the center of a social media storm—but he’s not alone. Former India opener and current head coach Gautam Gambhir has publicly come to his defense, shutting down rumors of favoritism and calling out the personal nature of the online abuse.
The controversy erupted after Rana’s inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming Australia tour, despite a string of underwhelming performances—most notably during the recent Asia Cup, where he struggled to contain runs and pick up wickets consistently. Critics, including former selectors and legendary players, didn’t hold back.
Why Is Harshit Rana Facing Backlash?
Rana’s selection raised eyebrows, especially with seasoned performers like Mohammed Siraj and emerging talents like Akash Deep waiting in the wings. His Asia Cup numbers didn’t help: in the two matches he played, he returned figures of 0/48 and 1/52—far from the impact India needed in high-pressure games.
Former India selector Kris Srikkanth openly questioned the logic behind the pick, while off-spin legend R Ashwin hinted at a worrying trend of “franchise loyalty” influencing national selections—a not-so-subtle nod to Rana’s strong ties with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where Gambhir serves as mentor.
Gambhir’s Fiery Defense: “He’s Not the Son of an Ex-Chairman”
Responding to the growing noise, Gambhir delivered a sharp, emotional rebuttal during a media interaction: “He’s not the son of an ex-chairman. He’s not someone who’s getting in because of connections. He’s earned his place through hard work.”
The statement was a direct counter to online trolls who accused Rana of benefiting from his KKR association. Gambhir emphasized that Rana’s domestic and IPL performances—particularly his 17 wickets in IPL 2024 at an economy of 8.9—deserved recognition, even if his international outings haven’t yet clicked.
Inside Harshit Rana’s Rise: From Delhi Nets to National Squad
Born in Delhi in 2001, Rana first turned heads in the U-19 circuit before making waves in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His raw pace (clocked at 145+ km/h) and slingy action made him a standout in the IPL auction, where KKR snapped him up.
His journey reflects the new pathway for Indian fast bowlers: franchise cricket as a launchpad, followed by national duty. But as Rana is learning, the jump from T20 leagues to international cricket is steep—and unforgiving under the spotlight.
What Do the Stats Say? A Quick Comparison
| Bowler | IPL 2024 Wickets | Asia Cup 2025 Econ | Recent Form (Last 5 Int’l Overs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harshit Rana | 17 | 10.40 | 0/48, 1/52 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 12 | 7.80 | 2/34, 3/29 |
| Akash Deep | 9 | 8.10 | 1/28, 2/31 |
While Rana’s IPL numbers are impressive, his international economy rate tells a different story—one that selectors are clearly betting will improve with experience.
The Bigger Picture: Is India Prioritizing Potential Over Consistency?
Gambhir’s backing of Rana signals a strategic shift: India may be investing in raw talent for the 2027 ODI World Cup and beyond. At just 23, Rana offers long-term upside, even if it means short-term inconsistency.
But fans and experts remain divided. As one analyst put it: “You can back youth, but not at the cost of match readiness—especially against Australia’s explosive top order.”
For now, Rana has a powerful ally in the dressing room. Whether that translates into on-field success Down Under remains to be seen—but one thing’s certain: the pressure is on.
Sources
Times of India: ‘He’s not son of an ex-chairman’: Harshit gets Gambhir’s support amid trolling