Gambhir hits back at Srikkanth, calls his comments on Harshit Rana 'shameful'

New Delhi: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir slammed former captain Kris Srikkanth for making controversial comments on the selection of fast bowler Harshit Rana. Gambhir, speaking to the media, after India's 2-0 series sweep against the West Indies, hit back at the iconic opening batter for alleging that Rana was included in India's ODI squad for the Australia tour for being his "yes man".

Following the team announcement for the Australia tour, Srikkanth had courted controversy by alleging on his YouTube Channel that the fast bowler is part of the national side only because of Gambhir.

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The Indian head coach did not hold back while reacting to the controversial comments in the post-match presser in Delhi and said that targetting a young player is a shameful act, and he is in the team on his own merit.

"It's shameful that someone wanting to run his YouTube channel is targeting a 23-year-old. If you want to target me, do it. I can handle it, but trolling a 23-year-old kid for YouTube views is shameful," said Gambhir.

"His (Rana's) father is not a selector. He has played cricket on his own merit. Don't target these young boys," he added.

Srikkanth had commented on Rana's connection with Gambhir due to their association in the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders, and remarked that the pacer was picked in the Indian ODI squad for Australia because of his equation with Gambhir.

"There is only one member, Harshit Rana...nobody knows why he is there in the team. Best is to be like Harshit Rana and be a constant yes man to Gambhir to be selected (in the side)," Srikkanth had said recently.

Rana, who represents Delhi in domestic cricket, has played two Tests, five ODIs and three T20 Internationals since Gambhir took over last year. Though a string of average performances has raised questions over his selection since he entered the international stage.

He was part of India's Asia Cup-winning team.

The three-match ODI between India and Australia starts on October 19 in Perth.