Murali Kartik became embroiled in a row on Twitter after his commentary was criticised by Indian journalist Alagappan Vijayakumar.

The former India slow left-armer is currently part of Sony’s panel of commentators for India’s tour of Australia, and copped flak, along with fellow commentator Glenn McGrath, for a perceived lack of preparedness. In particular, Vijayakumar pointed out Kartik’s surprise that wicketkeeper Alex Carey wasn’t in the XI for the first Australia-India T20I at Manuka Oval, despite Carey having been dropped for Australia’s previous T20I, against England in England.

Looks like ur listening is partial..I know he wasn't picked for the series and hence the question as to why if he is good enough to play odi and Wade is sitting out…armchair general is the easiest job..so relax and listen

— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) December 4, 2020

Kartik responded that he knew “he wasn’t picked for the series”, before Vijayakumar pointed out that Carey was in the squad, but there still should have been no surprise that he wasn’t in the XI.

Not necessarily.its a question to an Australian expert..everyone does research so relax… The contingents of teams in covid times are extended..so….anyways…am not responding after this

— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) December 4, 2020

The debate continued thereafter, even after Kartik said, at one point, that he was “not responding after this”.

U can always mute… Why don't u send the questions too since ur paying for services…which service mention that too

— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) December 4, 2020

Kartik played 46 times for India across formats, taking 61 wickets. He still holds the ODI record for the best figures by an Indian against Australia, having taken 6-27 against them at Mumbai in 2007.