“Don’t speak ill about someone” - Ravi Ashwin comes out in support of Harshit Rana

Former Indian spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin has come out in strong support of Harshit Rana, who has been under constant criticism from the Indian cricketing fraternity for his selection across formats.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin has asserted that Harshit Rana is someone who can give his best with both the bat and the ball in Australian conditions. However, Rana’s selection over someone like Mohammed Shami didn’t go down well with the Indian cricket fans.

“You asked me about 5 points that would have gone in favour of Harshit during the selection meeting. I also want to know that. But, I think, I can list two of them. In Australia, you might need a bowler who can bat. You might be wondering if he can bat. I think someone believes he can bat, that is why they are playing him at No. 8. I think someone trusts him he can bat. If you ask me if he has the ability in his bowling, I will definitely say it’s there. I won’t accept anyone saying he doesn’t have the talent,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Ashwin requested the Indian fans not to troll the young Indian seamer, as players are sometimes picked based on conviction. Though his spot in the Indian team is questionable, Ashwin urged fans to not to talk about his selection in a derogatory manner.

“But, if you ask me why the selection sometimes, a player gives the belief that he is good enough to those who have watched him from close quarters. And I want to say one thing to sporting fans, don’t speak ill or don’t shame someone. Players are sometimes picked based on conviction. Those who have played the sport, they are picking a player based on conviction. Whether he deserves or not is a secondary thing. He has got some X-factor. Does he deserve a spot now? I think it’s questionable. But let’s not talk about him or his selection in a derogatory fashion,” he added.

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