Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper Manvinder Bisla hit back at fans for criticising Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and pacer Harshit Rana, accusing social media users of spreading a false narrative of favouritism. Bisla pointed out that most of the criticism aimed at Harshit comes from fans outside the KKR base.
He clarified that Gambhir has shown no bias toward the young fast bowler and dismissed all claims of partiality. Speaking on the India Cricket Canteen YouTube channel, Bisla stated:
“The ones opposing Harshit Rana must be non-KKR fans. I am saying this honestly. Everyone relates it this way that Gautam has a KKR background, that’s why he is supporting Harshit. Koi mama chacha ka rishta to hai nahi (Gambhir is not his uncle or something). Everyone thinks there might be a KKR angle.”
Interestingly, Harshit Rana and Gautam Gambhir previously shared a professional bond in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Gambhir served as the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Following that association, Harshit earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team across all three formats. Some fans, however, have alleged that his consistent selection has been influenced by Gambhir’s support.
During India’s recent tour of Australia, the young pacer featured in both the ODI and T20I squads. He emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the ODI series, claiming six wickets in three matches. In the T20Is, Harshit was picked over Arshdeep Singh for the first two games but went wicketless, though he scored a crucial 35 off 33 in the second match.
“Someone Else Set It Up” – Bisla On Rohit & Kohli Overshadowing Harshit Rana
Manvinder Bisla highlighted that Harshit Rana played a key role in India’s commanding nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI, where the pacer claimed four wickets. However, Bisla noted that Harshit’s impressive spell went largely unnoticed due to the batting brilliance of Rohit Sharma (121* off 125) and Virat Kohli (74* off 81). Speaking in the same video, he remarked:
“India beat Australia in Sydney. All the influencers on social media, cricketers, non-cricketers, everyone spoke about RoKo. Did anyone speak about Harshit? If he had not set it up, what would have happened? Maybe RoKo would have still won us the match. But it was someone else who set up the match. If someone made a video on Harshit, would he have gotten those many views?”
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