Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has reiterated his stance on Harshit Rana being targeted for selection to the senior national teams, days after Gautam Gambhir lashed out at trolls. Ashwin took an empathetic stand, urging those who mock the young fast bowler to consider his mindset — and that of his parents — if they were to see videos of him being trolled.
Harshit Rana has faced constant criticism over his selection for the senior national side despite not having consistently made a mark at the highest level. Ashwin himself said last week that Harshit’s selection was questionable after he was picked for both the ODI and T20I series against Australia, starting on 19 October.
Speaking on his YouTube show, Ashwin said criticism is acceptable as long as pundits, former cricketers and fans talk about the game without resorting to personal attacks or a derogatory tone.
Ashwin cited an example from his own career, saying Sanjay Manjrekar had been one of his biggest critics. However, the off-spinner added that the former batter never crossed the line and always kept his views focused on performances.
“I have been reiterating that nobody should talk about a cricketer in a derogatory way. When the attack becomes personal, it turns into a different genre,” Ashwin said.
“I would like to talk about Sanjay Manjrekar. He has criticised me so many times in my career. But I have never held any grudge against him. What they say might be right or wrong, as long as the criticism doesn’t get personal, I am fine with it.”
Ashwin said negativity has always attracted more attention, which is why some people rely on trolling cricketers. He urged fans on social media to refrain from watching such content.
“Assume Harshit sees the reel in which he is being harshly criticised, and he is about to play a match for India — wouldn’t he be shattered by this? And if his parents and friends see it, what will be their mindset? We can definitely criticise their skill, their style of cricket. But it shouldn’t get personal.
“It may be funny once or twice, but it shouldn’t be a running theme. The reason they are doing this is that there is an audience for it. Negativity sells these days. They sell whatever is in demand. We should avoid consuming such content,” he said.
GAMBHIR TAKES DOWN TROLLS
Gambhir had earlier issued a more strongly worded statement against trolls, appearing to point fingers at former India opener Kris Srikkanth, who had questioned Harshit Rana’s selection for the ODI and T20I series in Australia.
“Look, it’s a little shameful and I will be very honest with you. If you are criticising 23-year-olds to run your YouTube channel, which is unfair. His father is not an ex-chairman, 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. Target people on their performance, and selectors are there for that job. If you say horrible things about a 23-year-old on social media, what does that do to his mindset?” Gambhir said.
It was during Gambhir’s tenure as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders that Harshit first made his mark. The Delhi fast bowler took 19 wickets in the IPL 2024 season. Harshit made his international debut in Perth in November 2024 and has since represented India in all three formats. The fast bowler has taken four wickets in two Tests, ten wickets in five ODIs and five wickets in three T20Is.
With the backing of coach Gambhir, Harshit will be keen to block out the outside noise and put on a strong show Down Under, if he gets an opportunity.
India will play three ODIs and five T20Is in Australia from 19 October to 8 November.
