‘Few people took it seriously; even criticised me’ – Former India bowler on his Twitter saga against KL Rahul

Former India seamer, Venkatesh Prasad has been in the news quite a few times now as he continuously criticized the star India batter KL Rahul on social media as he was struggling to score runs in the shortest and in the longest format of the game.

What began as a singular perspective quickly became the most talked-about topic on Twitter, especially after Prasad and Aakash Chopra got into a Twitter battle. Prasad’s condemning criticism of Rahul on Twitter sparked a response from Chopra, who stood up for the India batter, sparking an all-out heated exchange. When asked to clarify the situation via video, Prasad rejected the offer, accusing Chopra of being an “Agenda Peddler”.

Almost after a month, the battle seemed to be cooling down. Rahul’s game-winning half-century in the first ODI against Australia in Mumbai was even acknowledged by Prasad, but the former India pacer had to cope with the repercussions of the whole Twitter debate. Prasad broke his silence on the subject and explained how, although being careful not to exceed the line, he had received criticism for stating his thoughts.

I am sure it will get better in the next few months: Venkatesh Prasad

“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,” Prasad was quoted as saying on CNN News 18.

Prasad emphasized that his criticism of Rahul was based on years of watching the cricketer for India. He did underline that Rahul’s performances haven’t been consistent with his talent, but he also added that he is convinced that the star India batter can soon reverse his fortunes.

“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,” asserted the 53-year-old.