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England‘s former batting star, Kevin Pietersen, has recently shared his insights on India’s cricket team, particularly highlighting the influence of Yuvraj Singh on a young talent of Indian team. Pietersen also weighed in on Varun Chakravarthy‘s inclusion in the ODI squad and England’s performance in the T20I series against India.
Kevin Pietersen praises Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion and predicts England’s adaptation
Pietersen has supported the inclusion of Chakravarthy in the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against England, but anticipates that English batters will perform better against him in the longer format. Chakravarthy’s recent performance in the T20I series saw him pick up 14 wickets in five games, proving to be a difficult challenge for the English side. Pietersen believes that the ODI format will allow batters more time to adapt to Chakravarthy’s bowling style, as the pressure to score off every ball is reduced.
“The English batters would be better against him in the one-dayers because they can spend more time. It’s a longer format, not every ball is an event. But I think it is a great decision (to add Chakravarthy),” Pietersen told media on the sidelines of the launch of Dram Bell Scotch Whisky.
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T20I Series: A disaster for England
Pietersen described England’s performance in the T20I series as a “disaster”. He also pointed out that a questionable concussion substitution in the fourth T20I match significantly impacted the series outcome. Pietersen claimed that had Shivam Dube been replaced by a like-for-like player instead of Harshit Rana, England could have levelled the series.
“It was a disappointing series from England’s perspective. I think that in the fourth T20I, if the concussion substitution had been done correctly, maybe England would have got up there,” he added.
The rising star with shades of Yuvraj Singh
However, amidst England’s disappointing performance, Pietersen was particularly impressed by Abhishek Sharma. He noted that Abhishek’s batting style resembled that of Yuvraj. Pietersen went so far as to say that Sharma played the “best T20I innings I’ve ever seen“.
“Abhishek is amazing. He had the shades (of Yuvraj)…. Obviously, Yuvraj is rubbing off now on Abishek. His batting was fantastic. It was the best T20 international innings, I’ve ever seen and I said that to him afterwards,” Pietersen concluded. Pietersen specifically praised Abhishek’s effortless strokes and his avoidance of “funky shots,” highlighting the perfection in his stroke play.
As India prepare for upcoming tournaments such as the Champions Trophy, IPL, and the five-Test tour of England, Pietersen emphasized the importance of managing Jasprit Bumrah‘s fitness. He also expressed his hope for sporting wickets in the Test series between India and England, suggesting that such conditions would favour England’s chances.
