Gautam Gambhir attacked by 1983 World Cup winner for publicly slamming Kris Srikkanth over Harshit Rana criticism

Former Team India pacer Balwinder Sandhu slammed head coach Gautam Gambhir for rebuking Kris Srikkanth over his remarks on Harshit Rana’s inclusion for the upcoming Australia tour. Sandhu stated that while people can agree or disagree with Srikkanth, there was no need to make a public statement.

Srikkanth was not happy with the consistent selection of Harshit Rana in India’s squads. He stated that there may be favoritism given Harshit’s association with Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during IPL 2024. The fast bowler is one of the few players in both squads for the white-ball series in Australia.

After the West Indies Test series, Gambhir defended Rana from Kris Srikkanth’s criticism. Gambhir called Srikkanth’s remarks “shameful,” stating that targeting a 23-year-old player on social media is unfair and could affect his mindset. He urged that criticism focus on performance, not personal attacks.

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Balwinder Sandhu Criticizes Gautam Gambhir for Harsh Remarks on Kris Srikkanth

In his column for Mid Day, Balwinder Sandhu stated that former players may face online trolling, but they still have the right to express their views on the game they’ve dedicated themselves to.

"One can choose to agree or disagree, but there’s no reason to rebuke him publicly. Yes, Srikkanth has his own flamboyant style of speaking, just like his batting, and that’s exactly what we love about him," Sandhu wrote.

"It’s true that sometimes former players may go a bit overboard and face trolling on social media, but that doesn’t take away their right to speak about the game they’ve served with such passion," he added.

Their Views Should Be Taken in the Spirit - Balwinder Sandhu

Sandhu stated that as head coach, Gambhir should concentrate on current challenges rather than publicly criticizing ex-players, noting that he was disappointed by Gambhir’s harsh response to Kris Srikkanth’s comments.

"Their views should be taken in the spirit in which they are offered — with respect and an open mind," Sandhu continued.

"As head coach, it’s always wiser to focus on the battle on hand rather than opening too many fronts and losing sight of the main goal. I was genuinely pained to read Gautam Gambhir publicly rebuking Srikkanth’s views and speaking harshly about a former player in the media."

Harshit Rana made his international debut for India in the Test series in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The Delhi-based bowler played in white-ball formats earlier this year. He has played a total of 10 matches across all formats.

Leadership Is Best Shown Through Calm Focus And Example - Balwinder Sandhu on Gautam Gambhir

Balwinder Sandhu urged head coach Gautam Gambhir to lead with dignity. He said that true leadership comes from calm focus and setting an example, not from reacting publicly.

"In the professional world of sport, once you take on the role of head coach, you represent not just yourself, but the entire cricketing fraternity. It’s a position of responsibility and dignity, not of personal ego. One should always learn from those who have held the role before and remember that leadership is best shown through calm focus and example, not reaction," said Sandhu.

The team, under Gautam Gambhir, has performed well in limited-overs cricket, clinching the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy titles this year. However, India endured consecutive Test series defeats, including a home series against New Zealand.

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