Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra questioned the spot of James Neesham in Kings XI Punjab’s playing eleven in IPL 2020 on his Youtube channel. James Neesham has been one of the four overseas players from the past three games; however, he has not made any notable contributions across facets. The Kiwi all-rounder hit back at Aakash Chopra’s comments to which the 42-year old also reverted in style.
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James Neesham joined Kings XI Punjab for a base price of INR 50 lakh and slotted in place of Chris Jordan, who went for plenty of runs against Delhi Capitals. In three matches, Neesham has picked only one wicket and managed seven runs in the only chance he got to bat. The 29-year old went for an alarming 52 runs in his full quota of overs against Mumbai Indians.
Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra claimed that James Neesham is not a genuine match-winner, who does not bowl in the powerplay or death overs. Apart from that, the Kiwi all-rounder is not a renowned finisher or bat in the top four or five; hence, Aakash does not see the point behind playing Neesham. The 42-year old also criticised the management for not picking Afghan spinner Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman.
Aakash Chopra reacts to James Neesham’s reply over Twitter:
As Aakash Chopra expressed criticism over opting for James Neesham, the Kiwi all-rounder pointed out that an average of 18.5 along with a strike rate of 90 is not a match-winning stat. To which Chopra said that he gets paid for his analysis as no team anyway does not pick him due to his mediocre showing. He concluded by wishing James Neesham good luck for the rest of the tournament.
Here’s the entire conversation:
Averaging 18.5 striking at 90 doesn’t win many matches either ???? https://t.co/qNmotRL0WT
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) October 3, 2020
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