S Sreesanth accuses Aakash Chopra of being 'two-faced' in online war of words

India may have moved on from S Sreesanth’s on-field antics, having last played for the Indian team in 2011 before eventually getting banned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for spot-fixing two years later, but those who yearn for the fiery’s former Indian pacer’s aggression and antics need not look any further than his Twitter account.

In an incident as recent as Friday that set the cricket fraternity abuzz, Sreesanth was involved in a war of words with cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra after the latter initially voiced his opinion against the possibility of the former’s return to international cricket. Chopra, who played 10 Tests for India as an opener, is known to be quite the opposite of Sreesanth when it comes to one’s demeanour, but did not hold himself back on this occasion.

It all started when Chopra tweeted about left-handed opening batsman Gautam Gambhir’s comeback into the Indian team a short-sighted one, to which one Twitter user asked about the possibility of Sreesanth making an international comeback. Chopra’s reply was a curt “no”.

NO https://t.co/T5Zn3Z9iXo

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 31, 2017

  Sreesanth, who was known for celebrating wickets rather animatedly and reacting to on-field sledging, hit back at Chopra, calling him “2 faced” and asserting the fact that he will play sometime in the future.  Chopra however, stood firmly by his opinion, saying that he would have reserved the same for someone as close to him as his own brother.    

@cricketaakash how can u be so 2 faced?? Bro?? Ashamed to even call u that ..really sad to know (what have u replied?? Really..I will play pic.twitter.com/r4Ervw5sox

— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) February 3, 2017

Not two-faced. That's my opinion and I stand by it. Never told anyone anything else. I would have the same opinion for my own brother. https://t.co/gGSLqXbZui

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 3, 2017

In his reply, Sreesanth’s accused Chopra of branding him as a “desh drohi” (traitor), asking him whether that term also extended to the 13 other individuals who were charged in the same case as him.  

I hope ur comments about desh drohi.....etc,also includes the other 13 people who was charged Nd the unopened envelope..

— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) February 3, 2017

I didn't use the word 'desh drohi' but yes, my opinion on this issue isn't subjective. One rule for everyone. https://t.co/kooirNK4UE

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 3, 2017

Even as Chopra continued to remain objective in his replies, Sreesanth emphasised once again on his belief that he would play for India sometime in the future, adding the line: “mai cricket Dil jaan se kheltha u” (I play cricket with all my heart). Sreesanth signed off by saying that he was looking forward to Chopra sitting in the commentary box once he is back on the field wearing the blue jersey, although we cannot be sure whether he meant that as a taunt or not.  

I wish you well. God bless.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 3, 2017

yes,looking forward to hear ur commentary when I play..which will be very soon

— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) February 3, 2017