Venkatesh Prasad spoke out about the KL Rahul scandal and said that he was criticized for speaking his mind even though he made sure he didn’t go too far.

On social media, Venkatesh Prasad’s repeated jibes about KL Rahul’s form caused quite a stir

After Prasad and Aakash Chopra got into a Twitter fight, what started as a one-off opinion turned into the hottest topic on Twitter. Chopra defended the India batter in response to Prasad’s incessant criticism of Rahul on Twitter, which led to an all-out argument. Prasad turned down a request to discuss the matter over a video and accused Chopra of being an “Agenda Peddler,” among other things.

After almost a month, things have settled down. In point of fact, Prasad even gave Rahul credit for his match-winning fifty in the first ODI against Australia in Mumbai; however, the former India pacer was forced to deal with the fallout from the entire Twitter scandal. Prasad divulged the criticism he received for speaking his mind while ensuring he did not cross the line, breaking his silence on the subject.

“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 am sure that I didn’t cross the line, as simple as that. Few people have taken it very seriously and few have criticized,”

Prasad told CNN News 18.

Prasad said that his criticism of Rahul was based on how he had observed the India cricketer since he was young. He reiterated that Rahul’s performances have not adequately showcased his talent, but he also stated that he is optimistic that the star India batsman will soon improve his situation.

“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,”

stated Prasad.

There was a lot of praise for KL Rahul after he scored an unbeaten 75 to help the Indian cricket team beat the Australians’ 189-run target at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Only a few weeks ago, the middle-order batter had received criticism from all sides for his performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Venkatesh Prasad, a former Indian cricketer who has been one of the batter’s most outspoken critics in recent weeks, offered perhaps the most surprising praise. The ex-India pacer has frequently advocated for Rahul’s removal from the side.

“Excellent composure under pressure and a brilliant innings by KL Rahul. Top knock. Great support by Ravindra Jadeja and a good win for India.”

On Friday, however, he tweeted.

Just a month back, Prasad had posted numerous strings on the miniature contributing to a blog webpage, presenting a defence for why Rahul should be dropped from the Indian group in Tests

“I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below-par. A Test average of 34 after 46 Tests and more than 8 years in international cricket is ordinary. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances. Some are just lucky to be given chances endlessly till they succeed while some aren’t allowed to,”

he tweeted.

Prasad had asserted that Rahul’s selection to the team was the result of favoritism.

“And to make matters worse, Rahul is the designated vice-captain… Rahul’s selection is not based on performance but favoritism . Has been consistently inconsistent and for someone who has been around for 8 years not converted potential into performances. One of the reasons why many ex-cricketers aren’t vocal despite seeing such favoritism… is the chances of losing out on potential IPL gigs. They wouldn’t want to rub the captain of a franchise wrong, as in today’s age most people like yes men and blind approvers. Often well wishers are your best critics but times have changed & people don’t want to be told the truth.”

He had gone one to add.

Rahul was ultimately dropped for the third and fourth Tests against Australia at Indore and Ahmedabad.