IND vs WI 2025
Gautam GambhirHarshit RanaIndian Cricket Team

Gambhir Slams Srikkanth as ‘Shameful’; Defends Harshit Rana After IND vs WI 2nd Test Win

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 1 day ago | Oct 15, 2025 08:22 am IST
Gambhir Slams Srikkanth as 'Shameful'; Defends Harshit Rana After IND vs WI 2nd Test Win

Things just got heated. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir publicly fired back at former selector Kris Srikkanth on October 14, 2025, right after India sealed a seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in the 2nd Test. The whole firestorm is over the selection of 23-year-old fast bowler Harshit Rana, and Gambhir did not hold back.

Key Takeaways

  • Public Feud: Gautam Gambhir and Kris Srikkanth are in a war of words over young pacer Harshit Rana’s place in the team.
  • Srikkanth’s Accusation: On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth called Rana Gambhir’s “favorite” and a “film cricketer full on antics.”
  • Gambhir’s Rebuttal: Gambhir called it “shameful” to target a young player just to get views on a YouTube channel.
  • The Context: The drama unfolded after India’s comfortable 7-wicket Test victory against the West Indies in Delhi.

What Started The Fire?

So, here’s what happened. Before the press conference, Kris Srikkanth took to his YouTube channel and didn’t mince words. He questioned Harshit Rana’s selection, suggesting it was pure favoritism from Gambhir. Srikkanth even labeled him a “film cricketer full on antics,” implying Rana was more about show than substance.

He didn’t stop there. Srikkanth called Rana a “permanent” fixture, hinting that his spot was guaranteed regardless of his ‘underwhelming’ performance in the two Tests he’s played. This all happened right before the big upcoming tour to Australia, adding even more pressure.

Gambhir’s Explosive Response

Look, Gambhir was clearly not having any of it. During the post-match press conference, he came out swinging. He said it was absolutely shameful to attack a 23-year-old player just to “run a YouTube channel.” It was a direct shot at Srikkanth, and everyone knew it.

But then he dropped a line that really turned heads. “His father is not an ex-chairman, or ex-cricketer or an NRI,” Gambhir stated, fiercely defending Rana. This wasn’t just a defense; it was a powerful statement suggesting the criticism was unfair and possibly even classist.

Expert Analysis

Gambhir’s comment completely reframes the debate. By highlighting Rana’s background, he’s painting him as an outsider who made it on merit alone. He’s sending a clear message: judge the player on his potential and hard work, not on who his father is or isn’t. It’s a classic Gambhir move, defending his player to the hilt and challenging the old guard of cricket commentary.

The Social Media Storm

You can bet this has exploded online. Fans are split right down the middle. Some are backing Srikkanth, saying a former selector has the right to critique players, especially with an Australian tour looming. Others are with Gambhir, praising him for protecting a young talent from what they see as unfair media pressure.

What Does This Mean for Harshit Rana?

But honestly, what about the player stuck in the middle of all this? Harshit Rana debuted in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and now finds himself at the center of a cricket controversy. His stats have been described as underwhelming, and now he has the added pressure of this public feud between two legends hanging over his head.

Will this fire him up, or will the scrutiny get to him? As India celebrates a series win, this war of words is far from over. What do you think? Is Gambhir right to be so protective, or was Srikkanth’s criticism fair game?