India head coach Gautam Gambhir, on Tuesday, lashed out at trolls for targeting Harshit Rana, calling it a shameful act.
In recent times, Harshit, who has played two Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is, has found himself at the centre of criticism from former cricketers and fans.
Speaking at the post-match press conference following the series whitewash over the West Indies in Delhi, Gambhir said that those targeting the 23-year-old, simply to gain views on their social media platforms, should be ashamed of themselves.
“Look, it’s shameful if you can’t even spare a 23-year-old just to run your YouTube channel,” he told reporters in New Delhi. “Ultimately, his father is not a former chairman, ex-cricketer, or an NRI. Regardless of how much he plays, he has earned it on his own — and he will continue to do so.”
Gambhir, who has coached Harshit since his time at KKR, urged everyone to act responsibly and reminded them of their moral duty to support Indian cricket rather than tear it down.
“Social media trolling of Harshit is simply not right — just think about the mindset. Anyone’s child could be playing cricket, and this behaviour is unacceptable. Everyone has a moral responsibility to ensure Indian cricket thrives,” he said.
Harshit, who was overlooked for the England tour and the West Indies series, will travel to Australia with the team for three ODIs and five T20Is. The Delhi-based cricketer is part of both the ODI and T20I squads.
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