Harshit Rana has been in the spotlight ever since he made his India debut in November 2024. He has played 15 matches across formats, and yet every minor setback sparked taunts from various quarters.
Furthermore, some critics dragged his association with Gautam Gambhir from their Kolkata Knight Riders days into the discussion. Former selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth even labelled him a “yes-man”, which struck many as unfair for a young fast bowler still settling into international cricket.
However, the pacer's performances in the recent white-ball contests against Australia shifted the conversation. The 23-year-old bowled with control, struck important runs, and helped India in pressure situations. Consequently, many earlier critics went quiet, though it is reasonable to assume they are waiting for his next rough outing to reappear. Such is the pattern young players often face.
What did Manvinder Bisla say?
Meanwhile, former KKR wicketkeeper Manvinder Bisla strongly defended both Harshit and Gambhir during an appearance on the India Cricket Canteen podcast. Bisla said those questioning the selection seemed biased against anyone linked with KKR.
Moreover, he stressed that no one selected Harshit because of any family connection or favour, and he added that Harshit earned his place purely on performance and effort, not his connection with Gambhir.
“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 (It’s not like Gambhir is his uncle). Everyone thinks there might be a KKR angle,” Bisla said on the India Cricket Canteen podcast.
Is Gautam Gambhir's stance right on Harshit Rana?
Gambhir defended Rana firmly, and that stance sent a clear signal to the dressing room. He confronted the personal attacks and casual trolling directly, which showed that he valued his players beyond scorecards or short-term form.
Also, this approach builds trust, because young cricketers feel secure when a senior figure shields them instead of distancing themselves. The BCCI backed his words and added weight to the message, which showed that leadership was about caring as much as strategy. Critics may return whenever Harshit has a tough day, but the message remains: support your players, or risk breaking them before they grow.
