Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik didn’t hold back as Gautam Gambhir raised eyebrows by promoting Harshit Rana up in the batting order in the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge. After the hosts set a mammoth 200-plus target, the Men in Blue suffered a rare batting collapse, losing five wickets in the powerplay. As they sought revival, Harshit appeared on the crease following the dismissal of Axar Patel. Karthik, who was in the commentary box, was stunned by the decision.
The ex-wicketkeeper-batter expected Shivam Dube to follow Axar in the batting order. Gambhir might have saved the all-rounder for the latter half of their innings, but the tactics didn’t work. India were ultimately bundled out for 76 runs, suffering the second consecutive defeat of the T20I series.
Dinesh Karthik’s Reaction Goes Viral As Harshit Rana Bats Ahead Of Shivam Dube
The fast-bowler could survive only 13 deliveries and added nine runs, including a boundary. After he arrived in the middle, Karthik said on air, “Harshit Rana coming to bat before Shivam Dube, are you kidding me?”
“I don’t even think Harshit Rana has ever batted in the powerplay, even in domestic cricket. You can get the left-right combination working in T20 cricket, but only up to a point. Not Harshit Rana ahead of Shivam Dube,” he added.
Gautam Gambhir coaching has became an international disgrace now…
Dinesh Karthik was criticizing GG for sending Harshit over Dube…
and the foreign commemorator beside him looks to having fun with it
his hand gesture cleared all the things…this is really shameful.. IYER… pic.twitter.com/Yimm5XhDDO
— Mr. Wolf (@_aarkaa__) July 7, 2026
Dube also failed miserably. He joined Harshit after Tilak Verma departed, managed two runs off four balls, and even returned to the pavilion before the pacer.
Can India make a comeback in T20I series vs England?
Trailing the five-match series 2-0, the Shreyas Iyer-led India must win the remaining games to avoid defeat. Their batting department appeared to be in good form in the first two outings, breaching the 190-run mark on both occasions. But at Trent Bridge, they were completely outclassed by the English bowlers. Josh Tongue bagged four wickets while Jofra Archer claimed three, as the home side wrapped up the victory with more than eight overs to spare.
