Venkatesh Prasad has responded to Aakash Chopra's recent YouTube video in which the cricketer-turned-commentator called him a "agenda peddler" while defending under-fire KL Rahul. For those who are unaware, an ugly spat erupted between two former Indian cricketers over KL Rahul's poor batting performance in the ongoing Test series against Australia.

While Prasad has questioned the position of the opening batter in the team, Chopra has praised Rahul for his overseas performances. Chopra's claims were recently refuted by the former speedster, who added that he has no personal vendetta against the Karnataka batter.

"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 that are not in line with what he believes but wanted Rohit out," Prasad wrote on Twitter. "I have no agenda against any player, but perhaps others do," he added. Contrary views are fine, but labelling them as apna personal agenda and Twitter par mat laayein is ironic for @cricketaakash, who has made a great career by airing his views.

" The former fast bowler went on to say that he was only concerned about players like Kuldeep Yadav and Sarfaraz Khan on merit. On Twitter, Prasad stated: "I have nothing against KL or any other player; however, I have been vocal in my opposition to unfair selection and different yardsticks for performers. Sarfaraz and Kuldeep have both spoken out on merit. But it was disappointing to hear Aakash refer to it as a personal agenda.

"The news comes just hours after Chopra praised KL Rahul's performances in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). He wrote on Twitter: "SENA countries have Indian batters. Perhaps this is why selectors/coaches/captains support KL Rahul. During this time, he has played two Tests at home (ongoing BGT)." Venkatesh Prasad also mentioned Aakash Chopra's old tweet from December 2012, in which he mocked current India captain Rohit Sharma. On Twitter, he stated: "This is what Aakash said when Rohit was 24 and had been in international cross for four years.

He can be sarcastic about Rohit, who is only 24, but I can't say the same about Rahul, who is 31 and has only played eight years of international cricket. Yes, this is correct as well." Prasad went on to explain why Chopra questioned KL Rahul's performance prior to his second innings performance in the second Test against Australia.

"And the argument that we should not criticise a player in a live match makes no sense to me. This has no bearing on the players' performance. Most players do not read views after the match, and no player can read between matches because phones are deposited:)." Chopra questioned the timing of Prasad's tweet about under-fire KL Rahul on Sunday, February 19.

He wrote on Twitter: "Test match chal raha hai, Venky Bhai. How about at least waiting for both innings to end? We are all members of the same team, Team India. I'm not asking you to hold back your thoughts, but your timing could be better. After all, timing is everything in our game." Meanwhile, KL Rahul has been retained in Team India's squad for the remaining two Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests. Rahul's retention comes despite the fact that he has not scored a half-century in the last ten Test innings.