Gautam Gambhir hits back at Kris Srikkanth after latter’s “favourite” remark after India’s 2-0 series sweep vs WI

The Indian cricket team on Tuesday, October 14 completed a clean sweep against West Indies with a seven-wicket win in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. With the completion of this, the Indian team now have their eyes set on the next assignment, which is the white-ball series against Australia, starting October 19.

After the conclusion of the second Test, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the post-match press conference in Delhi. When asked about young pacer Harshit Rana’s inclusion in the squad, which did raise several eyebrows, the former Indian cricketer turned head coach finally cleared air on the same, while hitting back at former player and ex-selector Kris Srikkanth.

It’s a little shameful: Gautam Gambhir slams Kris Srikkanth over latter’s remarks on Harshit Rana

Addressing the media after India’s 2-0 win, Gambhir

took shots at the 1983 World Cup winner for his comments over Rana. "Look, it's a little shameful and I will be very honest with you. If you are criticising 23-year-olds to run your YouTube channel, which is unfair. His father is not an ex-chairman, or ex-cricketer or an NRI. He has played cricket on his own merit and he will continue to do so. Targeting individuals is not fair.”

“Target people on their performance, and selectors are there for that job. If you say horrible things about a 23-year-old on social media, what does that do to his mindset? If your kid plays cricket tomorrow, imagine a scenario where he gets abused. He is a 23-year-old kid, and not 33. Criticise me, I can handle it, but he is a 23-year-old boy, so that is something not acceptable. There should be a moral responsibility towards Indian cricket and you should not do these things to help run your YouTube channel. This is not only in Harshit's case, this is for others in future also," Gambhir added.

Srikkanth had earlier joked on his YouTube channel that Harshit Rana is the first name on the teamsheet in the Gautam Gambhir-coached side. Srikkanth's quip went viral on social media, with a section of fans trolling Harshit for being the 'favourite player' of the head coach. While he did not get game-time in the two-match Test series, Harshit Rana will next travel with the Indian side for their white-ball series against Australia.