The former spin all-rounder of the Indian cricket team, Ravichandran Ashwin, has delivered a pointed message to the Indian cricket fans, which has echoed the Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir’s recent appeal for conversations on social media. He reckoned that personal attacks were never meant to be made in sports, especially the criticism Gambhir received after the Test series defeat against South Africa.

In a chat with Revsportz during an event, Ashwin was asked about the impatience people were showing in online discussions when a coach or player gets written off after a poor performance in their role. Gautam Gambhir experienced the same fate after their 0-2 red-ball series defeat at home.  

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“It's okay to criticize anybody, okay? The attempt from my side, and that of others, should always be to reason out the criticism. For example, there was a debate on whether Riyan Parag should be included in the ODI setup. It should never be about whether Riyan Parag is good or bad. It should be about what merits his selection and what doesn't work in his favour.” Ashwin expressed to Revsportz.

Ravichandran Ashwin blasts Gautam Gambhir’s toxic fan base after India’s 2-1 ODI series win

Ashwin reckoned that while questioning performances is normal, the discussion must be about logic regarding the selection or the field position. He stressed the cricket debates of players’ strengths rather than labeling someone good or bad.

“But we often get into this pelting of stones at characters, and what I'm really concerned about is character assassination. Sport should never get down to that. And I repeat: a fan of an individual doesn't have to be a hater of another. Ultimately, let's recognize that a fan of a particular player is a responsible cricket viewer.” Ashwin shed light.

“At some stage, if we make a fan view the game like a movie where you have to hate the other person, then we are not doing something right. How does it make sense for you to be a fan of a certain player and then hate Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana for criticism?” The former Indian spin all-rounder concluded.