New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham hit back at former India cricketer Aakash Chopra after he questioned his role in Kings XI Punjab’s playing XI.
Neesham made his debut for KXIP in their second game against Rajasthan Royals on September 27 and retained his place for the next one against Mumbai Indians on October 1, both of which they lost by 4 wickets and 48 runs respectively.
Neesham scored 8 runs and leaked 52 runs from his 4 overs in the last game while against RR he picked up a wicket for 40 runs but did not get a chance to bat.
Chopra questioned KXIP’s decision to play Neesham instead of Afghanistan mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who has been with the Punjab franchise since 2018, and asked the team management to fix their playing XI.
“They play Neesham, an overseas fast bowler, who neither bowls in the powerplay nor in the death overs. He is neither a great finisher nor a big batsman who bats in the top four or five. So why is Kings XI Punjab playing him? You are playing a player who is not really a match-winner.
“First thing is that Kings XI Punjab is not playing the right team. Honestly, they are the only team in the world where Mujeeb is not able to make it to the playing XI after being in the squad,” Chopra said on his Youtube channel.
But Neesham hit back at the cricketer-turned-commentator by pointing out Chopra’s poor T20 average and strike rate instead.
Chopra played 21 T20s, including 7 games for Kolkata Knight Riders in the first 2 IPL seasons, in which he amassed just 334 runs at an average of 18.55 and a strike rate of just over 91.
“Averaging 18.5 striking at 90 doesn’t win many matches either,” Neesham replied to Chopra’s comments.
Averaging 18.5 striking at 90 doesn’t win many matches either https://t.co/qNmotRL0WT
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) October 3, 2020
Chopra was quick to reply on Neesham’s tweet with: “Correct my friend. That’s why nobody picks me anymore. I get paid for doing something else. I’m glad that you don’t have an issue with my observations but with my cricket stats. Go well for the rest of the #IPL.”
Correct my friend. That’s why nobody picks me anymore. I get paid for doing something else I’m glad that you don’t have an issue with my observations but with my cricket stats. Go well for the rest of the #IPL. https://t.co/FFuYAyFtMZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 3, 2020
Kings XI Punjab lost their last two games to drop down to 7th place in the IPL 2020 points table. They will next face Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 4.