The India squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy Series was an eye-opener after several young cricketers received call-ups for the coveted series. One particular name was Harshit Rana, as the fans were disputed over the young pacer’s call-up since he hasn’t had much game time. Rana was also not named in the unofficial tests between India A and Australia A, which drew criticism over his inclusion in the main squad. Amid the chatter, head coach Gautam Gambhir has broken his silence over Harshit’s call-up.

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Gautam Gambhir Hits Back At Critics Over 22-Year-Old’s Pacer’s Inclusion In BGT Squad

While speaking to the media at the press conference, Gautam Gambhir justified Harshit Rana’s absence from the India A squad against Australia A. Gambhir said that he had competed in one first-class match, which is why he wasn’t sent to Australia to be a part of India A. He added that the trainers felt, and physiotherapists believe that he has enough trainers under his belt.

“He had played a first-class game against Assam and he did reasonably well in that game. So we all thought that I think he’s had enough bowling under his belt rather than just sending him and playing him another first-class game. I think for us, I think it is important for a fast bowler to be fish as well. It’s gonna be a long tour. It’s going to be a five-match series. So the bowling coach and the physios and the trainers thought that he’s had enough under his belt. And that was one of the reasons,” Gautam Gambhir said.

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Harshit Rana received his maiden call-up in the India vs New Zealand series, and the management decided to call him up for the 3rd and final Test match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. While he did not find a spot in the Playing XI, Rana’s inclusion was noteworthy as the chatter for his selection for the BGT squad picked up intensity.

In the ten first-class matches he has played, the 22-year-old pacer has amassed 43 wickets at an average of 24. He also picked up two fifers, which helped his case to be fast-tracked for Team India. Harshit is among the key pacers for the series, but it is yet to be seen whether he will find a spot in the Paying XI.