Ravichandran Ashwin hits back at Gautam Gambhir after YouTube channel jibe on Harshit Rana

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has hit back at the head coach Gautam Gambhir after his “YouTube channel” jibe over Harshit Rana’s selection for the upcoming white-ball series in Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth.

After India’s 2-0 Test series over West Indies at home, Gautam Gambhir has strongly defended Harshit Rana after former Indian chief selector Krisnamachari Srikkanth claimed the 23-year-old pacer was picked for the upcoming ODI series in Australia just for being a “yes man.”

Gautam Gambhir slammed Krisnamachari Srikkanth with a "YouTube" jibe

The Indian head coach made it clear that Rana’s selection had nothing to do with favoritism or personal connections. The young pacer earned his spot purely on performance and merit.

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Gambhir told the media at the post-match press conference, “Look, it's extremely shameful. If you're criticizing 23-year-olds for running your YouTube channel, that's unfair. His father isn't an ex-chairman (of selectors), an ex-cricketer, or an NRI. He has played cricket on his own merit, and he'll continue to do so. Targeting individuals isn't fair.”

Ravichandran Ashwin fires back at Gautam Gambhir over Harshit Rana's remark

Now, the Indian spin legend hit back at Gambhir for his shocking attack on the former World Cup winner. However, Ashwin didn’t question Rana’s selection, but he publicly questioned the selection of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

He also raised concerns about his role in the recently concluded Test series against the West Indies. Nitish Kumar Reddy played both tests against the West Indies, but he bowled only four overs, and that was all in the first match in Ahmedabad.

Ashwin felt India should have picked a specialist batter or a proven all-rounder like Axar Patel, who has consistently contributed with both bat and ball in home conditions, instead of Reddy if they don’t trust his bowling. He called for clarity on Reddy’s role in the team.

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I don’t see the point: Ravichandran Ashwin questions Nitish Kumar Reddy's selection

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “If this is Nitish Reddy’s role, I feel you can play a specialist batter or a bowler. You could play Axar Patel. 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, then play a specialist batter only. Axar has done much better than Nitish in this role.”

The former Indian all-rounder added, “Axar Patel has the best defense against spin. So, if you’re not using him, especially when you have Siraj, Bumrah, and a second seamer, then Nitish can play for batting depth. Otherwise, I don’t see the point. Nitish is a fine batter, but there could be a bit more clarity on his role.”

Gautam Gambhir defended Nitish Kumar Reddy's selection

Even Gambhir faced the same question at the press conference, but he defended the selection. The Indian head coach explained that Reddy’s inclusion was part of a broader plan to expose the 23-year-old to Test cricket at home.

Watching and learning from established bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, even without bowling many overs, provides invaluable experience.

Gambhir emphasized that it would be unfair to limit Reddy to challenging overseas tours and that he would continue to be backed in home tests.