Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has hit back at head coach Gautam Gambhir after his “YouTube channel” jibe over Harshit Rana’s selection for the upcoming white-ball series in Australia starting in Perth from October 19.
After India’s 2-0 Test series win over West Indies on home soil, Gautam Gambhir has come to a strong defense of Harshit Rana after former Indian chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth claimed that the 23-year-old fast bowler was selected for the upcoming ODI series in Australia just because of “yes”.
Gautam Gambhir criticizes Krishnamachari Srikkanth with “Youtube” jibe
The Indian head coach clarified that Rana’s selection had nothing to do with favoritism or personal relationships. The young fast bowler earned his place purely on performance and merit.
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Gambhir told the media at the post-match press conference, “Look, it is extremely shameful. If you are criticizing a 23-year-old for running his own YouTube channel, it is unfair. His father is a former chairman (of selectors), a former cricketer or not an NRI. He has played cricket on his own merit and he will continue to do so. It is not fair to target individuals.”
Ravichandran Ashwin hits back at Gautam Gambhir on Harshit Rana’s comment
Now, the Indian spin legend has hit back at Gambhir for his shocking attack on the former World Cup winner. Although Ashwin did not question Rana’s selection, he publicly questioned the selection of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
He also expressed concern about his role in the recently concluded Test series against West Indies. Nitish Kumar Reddy played both Tests against the West Indies, but bowled only four overs and the same number in the first match in Ahmedabad.
Ashwin believes that if India did not have confidence in Reddy’s bowling then they should have replaced Reddy with a specialist batsman or a proven all-rounder like Axar Patel, who has consistently contributed with both bat and ball in domestic conditions. He sought clarity on Reddy’s role in the team.
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I don’t understand: Ravichandran Ashwin questions Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “If it’s Nitish Reddy’s role, I think you can play a specialist batsman or a bowler. You can play Axar Patel’s role. What else has he done? He has been a match-winner. When does Nitish Reddy come into play? I am not saying you need an extra bowler; if not, just play a specialist batsman.” Has performed much better than Nitish.”
“Axar Patel has the best defense against spin. So, if you are not using him, especially when you have Siraj, Bumrah and another seamer, Nitish can play for batting depth. Otherwise, I don’t see any point. Nitish is a good batsman, but there could be a little more clarity on his role,” the former Indian all-rounder said.
Gautam Gambhir defends the selection of Nitish Kumar Reddy
Even Gambhir faced the same question in the press conference, but he defended the selection. The Indian head coach explained that Reddy’s inclusion was part of a broader plan to introduce the 23-year-old to Test cricket on home soil.
Even without bowling many overs, watching and learning from established bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj provides invaluable experience.
Gambhir stressed that it would be unfair to restrict Reddy to challenging overseas tours and that he would continue to be supported in domestic Tests.