The debate over KL Rahul's place in India's Test team seems to have intensified, taking an unpleasant turn. Ex-India cricketers Aakash Chopra and Venkatesh Prasad were involved in a public spat on social media over KL Rahul's 'selection saga debate'.
It all started with Venkatesh Prasad sharing KL Rahul's poor batting stats in Tests, accusing selectors of 'favoritism', which led to Aakash Chopra making a video on YouTube, calling Prasad sharing Rahul's stats an 'agenda'. Not only this, Chopra also shared Rahul's stats in SENA nations after Prasad shared his overall records in Tests on foreign soil.
Aakash's reaction seems to have gotten Prasad miffed as the ex-Indian cricketer launched a vicious jibe on him on Tuesday, while digging Aakash's old tweet in which the former India opener took a jibe at Rohit Sharma in 2012.
"So my friend Aakash Chopra after making a vile video on YouTube this morning where he calls me an agenda peddle, conveniently and cleverly misquotes me, removes Mayank’s average of 70 at home, wants to gag views which are not in line with what he believes but wanted Rohit out.
"I have no agenda against any player, maybe there are others who have. Difference of opinion is fine but calling contrary views as apna personal agenda and Twitter par mat laayein is funny for @cricketaakash, considering he has made a great career by airing his views.
"I have nothing against KL or any other player, my voice has been against unfair selection and different yardsticks for performers. Be it Sarfaraz or Kuldeep, have voiced based on merit. But it was disappointing to see Aakash calling it personal agenda," he added.
Chopra had tweeted, "Rahane doesn't make it to the XI. And 'talented' Rohit does."
Prasad clarified he doesn't want a dispute with Aakash Chopra but wanted to share his views publicly after the latter's video.
"This is what Aakash had aired when Rohit was 24 with 4 yrs in international cricket. He can use sarcasm for Rohit at 24, and I cannot point out underperforming Rahul at 31 with 8 years in International cricket. Yeh bhi sahi hai.
"I admire Aakash for the hardwork he puts on his YouTube channel but calling a different view point as agenda because it doesn’t suit his narrative is poor. There is no bitterness between us and since his video was in public domain wanted to put my point out here. Best wishes," he added.
Kl Rahul was recently removed as vice-captain of India's Test team due to his repeated failures in the format.