Venkatesh Prasad Breaks Silence On His Constant Criticism Of KL Rahul

Breaking his silence over the matter, Venkatesh Prasad spoke openly about the entire controversy, claiming that he did not cross line while criticizing KL Rahul.

Team India's former pacer Venkatesh Prasad has been in the news for criticising KL Rahul, questioning his place in the Indian team following batter's prolonged lean patch in Tests against Australia. After failing to score over 25 runs in first two Tests against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, selectors replaced KL Rahul in playing XI with talented youngster Shubman Gill for last two Tests.

After Ind-Aus 2nd Test, Rahul was removed as vice-captain of India's Test team and his replacement Shubman scored a heroic ton in Ahmedabad Test, ensuring to retain his place in Indian Test team for World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia.

Prasad had posted multiple tweets showcasing Rahul's poor stats in Tests, also accusing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of 'favoritism'.

While Prasad's explosive tweets gained immense support from fans, some felt that the former pacer went overboard with his relentless criticism. Notably, Prasad also posted a tweet to laud KL Rahul for his match-winning knock against Australia in IND vs AUS 1st ODI.

Breaking his silence over the matter, Prasad spoke openly about the entire controversy, claiming that he did not cross line while criticizing Rahul.

"I've got nothing against anybody but it's just that whatever I feel I say it. Few people take it; few don't. It's up to them. It's not that I've only spoken about KL Rahul. I even expressed my opinion over Sarfaraz Ahmed as well who has been performing brilliantly. I have sure that I didn't cross the line, as simple as that. Few people have taken it very seriously and few have criticised," said Venkatesh to News18.

"Look I've got great respect and regard to KL Rahul. I've seen him since his Under-16 days - almost for 15 years. Having followed and worked with him at different stages be in Karnataka, at NCA or with the Indian team. He was given a long rope and that's fair enough for the kind of potential that he has. But he has not lived up to the talent that he is there. I am sure it will get better in the next few months but having said that, I have not been harsh; I had to say what I felt," he added.