On his YouTube channel, Chopra dissected KXIP’s loss to Mumbai Indians on October 1, criticising the Punjab team for their poor bowling performance at the death. Commenting on Mumbai’s assault in the last five overs, where they exacted 89 runs, Chopra said that the Kieron Pollard-Hardik Pandya partnership was “absolute, brutal murder of the opposition bowling”.

He then went on to slam the Punjab management for picking Neesham over spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the side, saying that Neesham is “not really a match winner”.

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“You’re playing Neesham, an overseas fast bowler, who neither bowls in the powerplay nor at the death,” Chopra, who is also doing Hindi commentary for the broadcasters, said. “Neither is he a finisher nor a good enough batsman to bat in the top four-five. Why are they playing him? You’re playing a player who is not really a match-winner because you don’t bowl or bat them at those junctures. That backfires.”

Averaging 18.5 striking at 90 doesn’t win many matches either 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/qNmotRL0WT

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) October 3, 2020

Neesham, who is playing his first IPL season since 2014, has so far picked up one wicket from 10 overs in three games, and currently averages 105.00 with the ball, with an economy of 10.50.

Known for his quick wit on Twitter, Neesham replied to a tweet with Chopra’s comments, saying “Averaging 18.5 striking at 90 doesn’t win many matches either” – an apparent dig at Chopra’s T20 career statistics.

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

Chopra, who played 10 Tests for India from 2003 to 2004, replied to Neesham’s tweet, saying that he’s only doing his job as a cricket analyst: “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.”