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The worlds of cricket and football recently collided in an entertaining episode that unfolded on social media. Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen and Indian spin maestro Kuldeep Yadav engaged in a playful exchange on social media after Kuldeep shared snapshots with Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim and the Indian cricket team’s visit to the football giant’s training ground in Manchester. The meeting was orchestrated by Adidas, which sponsors both the Indian cricket team and Manchester United, creating a unique opportunity for athletes from different sports to interact.
Cricket meets football
The Indian cricket team’s visit to Manchester United’s Carrington training facility was marked by several memorable moments. Captains and players mingled on the pitch in a friendly football match, with India’s skipper Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant seen playing alongside the Red Devils.
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj took on the role of bowler, delivering the ball to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire in a whimsical blend of cricket and football skills. Adidas and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared numerous images capturing these moments, symbolizing a cross-sport unity. The meeting also included photo ops between the teams’ head coaches — Ruben Amorim of Manchester United and Gautam Gambhir of India, the latter a known United supporter.
This inter-sport gathering reflects a growing trend of athletes crossing traditional boundaries, fostering mutual respect and enjoyment beyond their professional domains. For the Indian team, the visit was a chance to unwind and bond in an unconventional setting while also building relationships with football stars like Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.
Kuldeep Yadav makes a charming comeback on Kevin Pietersen’s jibe
The highlight of this cross-sport rendezvous came not only from the meeting itself but from the ensuing banter on social media between Pietersen and Kuldeep. After Kuldeep posted a tweet praising his time with Ruben Amorim and captioned it “Sharing football knowledge with the man who’s redefining the game,” Pietersen responded with a humorous jab: “Very, very very poor football team.” This light mockery referenced Manchester United’s disappointing 15th place finish in the recent Premier League season, which was notably perilous for the club.
Kuldeep responded warmly, calling Pietersen a “very, very good human being,” underscoring the mutual respect between the two despite the playful insult. Their friendly exchange highlighted the close bond forged from their time together at the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, with Pietersen acting as a mentor to Kuldeep, helping him sharpen his skills and tactical approach against English batter.
Sharing football knowledge with the man who’s redefining the game🙌🏻 #RubenAmorim pic.twitter.com/IW8uJmgivK
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) July 20, 2025
This social media interaction also follows similar instances where Pietersen has shown support or playful criticism of Indian cricketers, emphasizing a shared love of the game and a sense of camaraderie that transcends national rivalries.
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