'Stop the character assassination': R Ashwin blasts toxic fan culture after Gautam Gambhir backlash

Ravichandran Ashwin has delivered a pointed message to Indian cricket fans, echoing Gautam Gambhir’s recent appeal for healthier conversations on social media. Speaking on Monday, the veteran off spinner said the growing trend of personal attacks is pulling the sport into a space it was never meant to occupy, especially after criticism intensified following India’s home Test defeat to South Africa last month.

In a chat with RevSportz during an event, Ashwin was asked about the impatience that now dominates online discussions, where a player or coach is written off after a couple of poor outings and hailed after one good day. Gambhir experienced this firsthand after India slipped to their second successive home Test series whitewash under his tenure, a 0–2 setback that triggered calls for his removal and demands for a dedicated red ball coach.



Ashwin said that while questioning performances is normal, the conversation must revolve around selection logic and on field output, not attacks on individuals. He stressed that cricket debates should assess what strengthens a player’s case and what doesn’t, rather than labelling players as good or bad.

He used the example of Riyan Parag’s ODI debate to explain his point. “The discussion shouldn’t be about whether Parag is good or bad,” he said. “It should be about what supports his selection and what doesn’t. Instead, we often drift into tearing down personalities. That’s the part that worries me. A fan of one player doesn’t need to dislike another.”

Ashwin also mentioned fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, both of whom have faced intense online backlash in recent months, only to return strong in the ODI series against South Africa. He questioned why fandom is being shaped like a movie script, where supporting one player means hating another.

He said mistakes and wrong predictions are part of the game, adding that no one is expected to be an astrologer. Instead, open, respectful discussions should be the norm.

Ashwin wrapped up by urging everyone involved in the game — players, experts, and followers — to consider the impact of their words. “If what we say reaches ten people and affects five, we should aim to ensure it helps more of them. That’s the responsibility we all share,” he said.


Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here