Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has strongly condemned the online criticism and trolling directed at young fast bowler Harshit Rana following his selection for the upcoming tour of Australia. Rana's inclusion in both the ODI and T20I squads has stirred debate, with some former cricketers and online personalities questioning the merit of his selection.

The controversy escalated after former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth, on his YouTube channel, jokingly suggested that Rana was selected because he is a "yes man" and "Gambhir's favorite player". Srikkanth quipped that Rana's name was probably the first one picked after captain Shubman Gill.

Gambhir didn't hold back in his response, labeling the targeting of the 23-year-old Rana as "shameful". Speaking at a post-match press conference after India's Test series win against the West Indies, Gambhir urged critics to direct their criticism towards him instead of the young player. "It is shameful. YouTubers are targeting a 23-year-old player. If they want to target, they should target me," Gambhir stated firmly.

He further added, "Don't say anything to run your YouTube channel". Gambhir emphasized that Rana has earned his place in the team through his own efforts and not through favoritism or external connections. He highlighted that Rana doesn't have the advantage of having a father who is a former chairman or an NRI, implying that his selection is purely based on his cricketing abilities.

Gambhir expressed concern about the growing trend of online commentary without accountability, stating that it is detrimental to young cricketers who are just beginning their careers. He argued that such baseless criticism can discourage and demoralize players who are striving to prove themselves on the national stage.

Aakash Chopra, another former Indian opener, has also defended Rana, urging fans and media to stop attacking players for decisions made by selectors. Chopra acknowledged that Rana has faced criticism for his selection, with many attributing it to his connection with Gambhir from their time together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, Chopra emphasized that Rana possesses potential and should be given time to develop and showcase his talent. "People are trolling this child a lot. It's not his fault that he gets picked in all squads," Chopra stated. He further added that the selectors pick the players and the captain and coach also give inputs.

The debate surrounding Harshit Rana's selection highlights the pressures and scrutiny that young cricketers face in the age of social media. While constructive criticism is essential for improvement, personal attacks and baseless allegations can have a detrimental impact on a player's confidence and career. Gambhir's strong defense of Rana underscores the importance of protecting young talent from unwarranted negativity and fostering a supportive environment for them to thrive.