Indian men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir hit out at former chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth for questioning the inclusion of pacer Harshit Rana in the squad for the tour of Australia.

"It's extremely shameful," Gambhir told the media when reminded of Srikkanth's criticism that Rana found his spot in the side because he was a 'constant yes man'.

"If you are criticising 23-year-olds to run your YouTube channel, that is unfair," Gambhir said after India clinched the home Test series against West Indies.

Gambhir has claimed that Rana was picked based on merit. "His father is not an ex-chairman (of selectors), or ex-cricketer or an NRI. He has played cricket on his own merit, and he will continue to do so. Targeting individuals is not fair," Gambhir said.

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Rana has worked with Gambhir since the latter's stint with IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rana played two matches in the recently concluded Asia Cup, bagging a wicket each against Sri Lanka and Oman. He made his T20I debut in January this year against England and his ODI debut against the same opposition in February.

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The lanky right-arm pacer has also played two Tests, starting with India's tour of Australia last November.

India will play a three-match ODI series, starting October 19 in Perth. A five-match T20I series will follow, starting October 29 in Canberra.

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