Ravichandran Ashwin engages in Twitter battle with Bangladesh supporters

The rivalry between India and Bangladesh might still be in its infancy but its one which is gathering pace, slowly but surely. The tussle between Virat Kohli and Rubel Hossain at the 2015 World Cup added a new dimension to the rivalry and it has only picked up since.

The ODI series which followed the World Cup in Bangladesh saw the emergence of promising left-armer Mustafizur Rahman as the Tigers defeated India, thus making their presence felt against their Asian rivals. The Asia Cup, which concluded recently, took things to an altogether different level with a photoshopped image of Taskin Ahmed holding Indian skipper MS Dhoni’s chopped head drawing widespread condemnation from the sports community.

Another India-Bangladesh encounter is very well on the cards with Bangladesh expected to qualify for the group stages of the World T20 with a victory over Oman later today and if so, they will be paired along with Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia besides the hosts.

However, an innocent looking Tweet from Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin where he suggested that while a victory for Bangladesh will no doubt delight the supporters from the country, a victory for Oman will be a good result for Cricket has snowballed into a controversy with Bangladeshi supporters taking strong exception to Ashwin's remark.

Ashwin might well have been referring to the classic tale of 'David vs Goliath’ tale but some Bangladesh fans tweeted in response saying that Ashwin was worried about the prospect of facing the Tigers. The off-spinner, who is known for his witty responses, was in o mood to back out this time around either.

Here is Ashwin’s Tweet that started it all:

Can't wait to see the Bangladesh v Oman game.If Bangladesh win,the whole country will be happy but if Oman does Cricket will be happy.#WT20

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 13, 2016

Here is how one of the Bangladeshi supporters who didn’t take Ashwin’s remark too well responded.

@ashwinravi99 I reckon you praying for Oman to win as you don't wanna face the Tigers!!!!

— azad (@azad317) March 13, 2016

Ashwin replied in his typical witty style.

@azad317 I wanted to archive your tweet,then thought for a minute and decided it might not be worth my time.

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 13, 2016

Here is how another Tigers fan challenged Ashwin.

@ashwinravi99 lol, you are rite ashwin, if Bangladesh wins BD will be happy. But,, But if Oman wins only India will happy. Say it openly man

— Ashiq (@ashiq_arif) March 13, 2016

Ashwin was certainly in no mood to let this one go either.

@ashiq_arif omg !!What about Oman?Even if I go by what u say,it's 2 countries over just one.For gods sake understand a tweet.

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 13, 2016