Gambhir dismisses 'IPL retention' speculation in response to Harshit Rana rumor: 'He is here to gear up for Australia tour'

As per the IPL retention rules, a franchise can retain an uncapped Indian player for as little as INR 4 crore. Following Harshit's exceptional performance in the IPL 2024 season, where he took 19 wickets in 13 matches - the most by any uncapped player and the fifth-highest overall, it appeared probable that KKR would retain him for the upcoming season. Additionally, since Harshit remains uncapped, KKR stands to benefit financially by not having to spend a significant amount from their purse to retain him, especially considering his impressive on-field contributions.

The theory sparked after The Indian Express reported that Harshit was called up for the Mumbai Test against New Zealand. Although India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar shrugged off the rumour on Wednesday, the fast bowler was spotted at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, bowling in the nets against India batters. However, Gambhir denied the rumour as well, while dropping an 'IPL retention' remark, saying that he only joined the Indian camp with work with bowling coach Morne Morkel for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series in Australia, for which he was picked last week.

"We are not in a situation where can think of that (giving chance to players who have not played). "Harshit Rana is not part of the squad. He has just come here to prepare for the Australia tour, Abhishek (Nayar) made it clear yesterday. IPL retention has nothing to be spoken about, we have a Test match here. Everyone is available for selection, we will take a call tomorrow," he told the reporters in Mumbai.

The batters have faced the brunt of criticism after India suffered their first Test series loss at home in 12 years against New Zealand. However, Gambhir was not ready to point his fingers at the batting unit for the debacle.

"Everyone has the responsibility, I cannot say just the batters have let us down," Gambhir said at the press conference ahead of the third Test.

Gambhir admitted that the Test series defeat hurt the team but said it should spur the team to do better in future.

"I am not going to sugarcoat that it is hurting. It should hurt and that will make us better. What is wrong in being in this position?

"I am sure this will push the youngsters to be better cricketers. If we have results like Kanpur, might as well have results like this and keep moving forward," said Gambhir.