The entire Indian Test squad arrived by bus for Head Coach Gautam Gambhir’s dinner, but local player Harshit Rana drove separately, igniting fresh speculation on social media. The viral video of his solo entrance adds fuel to the fire over claims of “special treatment” amid his continuous selection in multiple India squads.
October 9, 2025: New Delhi saw a rare gathering of the Indian Test squad on Wednesday night as Head Coach Gautam Gambhir hosted a dinner for the players and support staff at his residence. Top members, including captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, were all in attendance.
However, amidst the high-profile gathering, the social media buzz was captured not by the stars, but by the unconventional arrival of a non-squad member: fast bowler Harshit Rana.
Viral Video Sparks Speculation
While the entire Test squad arrived together in the official team bus, Harshit Rana was seen driving to Gambhir’s house in a private car. A video of his separate entrance immediately went viral, with fans questioning why Rana, who is not part of the Test team, received “special treatment.”
The contrasting modes of transport—team bus for the playing squad and a private car for Rana—fed into an already ongoing narrative of favouritism surrounding the young bowler.
The Real Reason Behind Rana’s Solo Entry
The explanation for Rana’s solo journey is straightforward: He is a Delhi-based player and is not a member of the current Indian Test squad. Since he is not part of the official team contingent, he is not staying in the team hotel and therefore did not travel on the designated bus. Being a local, he drove to the coach’s house directly.
Selection Controversy Continues
This viral moment follows a wave of debate around the 24-year-old’s constant inclusion in multiple India squads lately, a point of contention that was recently highlighted by former cricketers.
Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth had recently expressed astonishment, stating that Rana seems to be the only “permanent member” of the Indian team despite the frequent changes, adding, “Nobody knows why he is there in the team.”
However, cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has come to the young bowler’s defense. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra advised people to stop trolling the player, clarifying that Rana is not at fault for his selection.
“It’s not his fault that he gets picked in all squads,” Chopra stated, suggesting that critics should point their guns in the right direction. He emphasized that the selectors are responsible for the picks and urged for Rana to be given more time to prove his credentials.
Despite the logical explanation for his dinner arrival, the viral video has once again ignited the conversation around Harshit Rana’s sudden prominence in the national setup.