R Ashwin has slammed the trolls for targeting Harshit Rana for his selection in the white-ball matches against Australia. Ashwin urged everyone to consider the mindset of the player and his parents if they saw the videos of him getting trolled.

Harshit is facing criticism since he was named in the ODI and T20I squads, with many saying that he is getting a chance because of his bond with head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ashwin had himself questioned the selection of the pacer. The off-spinner said that criticism is acceptable as long as it doesn’t get personal.

Ashwin gave his own example, saying that Sanjay Manjrekar has been one of his biggest critics, but the former batter never crossed the line. “You can’t talk about a cricketer in a derogatory way. There is no place for personal attacks,” Ashwin said.

“Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised me many times, but I have no issues with him. He might be right or wrong, but if the criticism doesn’t get personal, I am fine with it,” he added.

Ashwin said that negative statements could impact the player. “Assume Harsit see a video in which he is criticised and he is about to play for India. Wouldn’t he get disturbed? If his parents and friends see it, what will be their reaction? We can criticise a player, but it shouldn’t get personal.

“It is funny on a few occasions, but not every time. Negativity sells faster these days. We shouldn’t watch such content,” he concluded.