IND vs AUS: "It shouldn't get personal"- Ravi Ashwin cites example of Sanjay Manjrekar as he defends Harshit Rana amid social media trolling

Ravi Ashwin slams fans for trolling Harshit Rana on social media following his selection in India squad for Australia series.

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has defended pacer Harshit Rana over his trolling by fans on social media. The former right-arm spinner slammed fans who made personal comments against the Indian pacer following his selection in the Indian side across all three formats.

Rana, who has been consistent member of Indian side, has been picked in Indian Cricket Team’s ODI and T20I squads against Australian Cricket Team as well. Recently, Ashwin had also questioned Rana’s selection in the team, however, he also noted that the latter must have some talent if the selectors have backed him.

After India’s squad for the Australia tour was announced, former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth joked that Rana has been getting opportunities as he is the favourite of head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Following his comments, many fans started trolling Rana over his selection on social media, sharing numerous memes to make fun of him. Some have also made personal comments against the pacer, which did not go well with Ashwin.

Wouldn’t Harshit Rana be shattered by this: Ravi Ashwin

Speaking in a video posted on his latest YouTube channel, Ashwin slammed fans who have been targeting Rana on social media, saying that the trolling should not get personal. He also urged cricket fans to avoid consuming such negative 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,” he said.

“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 further said.

Ashwin also recalled how he was criticised by former Indian player Sanjay Manjrekar during his career, however, he never had any grudge against him. He also reckoned that criticism should never get personal.

“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. 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,” said the 39-year-old.

Notably, during the post-match press conference of the second test between India and West Indies, Gautam Gambhir indirectly slammed Kris Srikkanth for criticising a youngster like Rana, without naming him. He also reiterated that Rana has made it to the national team on merit.

“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,” he had said.

“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 had further said.

Notably, mentor Gambhir guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the title in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Rana was also a part of the side and played a key role in the KKR’s pace department, picking 19 wickets. Since last year, Rana has made his debut across all three formats with Gambhir’s backing.

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